Board resolution urges UH to prepare for pandemic financial impact

From UH News, August 20, 2020

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents approved a resolution on August 20 urging the UH administration to prepare for the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The university, along with all Hawaiʻi state agencies, is expecting what the resolution describes as, “a steep reduction of general fund support” that is expected to directly impact all aspects of operations across the 10-campus system.

The board approved the measure by a vote of nine to two.

“We realize that the decisions of the administration and this board, in the coming months, will affect not only the future survivability of the university but also the personal lives, careers and families of our university community,” said BOR Chair Ben Kudo during the meeting before the board voted on the resolution. “We do not take this responsibility lightly. On the contrary, we take it very seriously and with empathy to all who are involved.”

The resolution describes the current situation as, “a state of emergency,” and calls on the administration to, “expedite the development of a short-term plan to deal with the immediate financial challenges facing the University beginning this fall, and a long-term University plan.”

It also calls on students, faculty, staff and stakeholders to work together to maintain, “the enduring values and continued public service of the University to Hawaiʻi and its citizens.”

About 170 people submitted written testimony (PDF) on the resolution, with the majority voicing opposition to the measure.

---30---

SA: UH regents seek to cut costs as revenue lags

SA: UH regents urged not to cut personnel

CB: UH Regents Approve Emergency Action In Response To Pandemic