UC Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Rachael Nava sent the following message to all UCOP staff on Friday, March 21, 2025:

Dear Colleagues,

Earlier this week, President Drake shared a message with the UC community on the University’s financial outlook and how we are preparing across all locations, including the Office of the President.

I know this news is unsettling and may raise questions about planned recruitments, projects in process, and other UCOP priorities. We don’t yet know what lies ahead, but given the current budget uncertainties, every UC location — including UCOP — must prepare for impacts due to potential loss of state and federal funding.

We are implementing a hiring freeze, effective March 31, 2025. We will discuss the details of the hiring freeze with Division leaders next week and, following that discussion, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Dianna Henderson will issue UCOP’s implementation plan.

In addition, we are preparing financial strategies for UCOP to address potential shortfalls. This will include looking at cost-saving strategies, such as reducing discretionary spending or putting some projects on hold.

While we are still planning how we will implement these directives, I can say that every decision will be considered carefully, with the goal of minimizing impacts to our employees and to our mission. For now, I ask that you continue to focus on your important work supporting the University and delivering on our mission of teaching, research, and public service. As President Drake shared this week, “We have the determination, the perspective, and the ability to tackle what’s ahead. We have a deep commitment to protecting this institution – along with each of you. We will address these challenges, however difficult, together.”

Thank you for all that you do for UCOP and for the University as a whole. I truly appreciate the commitment and resilience that you demonstrate every day. Let’s lean into these strengths and do our best to support each other in the days ahead.

Sincerely,

Rachael Nava
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
UC Office of the President

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