University of California Implements Hiring Freeze Amid Financial Strain

Facing federal funding threats and proposed state budget cuts, the UC system takes cost-saving measures to address significant financial challenges.

UC President Michael V. Drake announced a systemwide hiring freeze to manage costs and conserve funds across the university's 10 campuses, six academic medical centers, and three national laboratories.
The freeze is a response to federal funding threats under the Trump administration and an 8% reduction in California's proposed state budget for 2025-26.
UC leaders are also directing campuses to prepare additional cost-saving measures, including delaying maintenance and reducing business travel.
The hiring freeze aligns with actions taken by other major universities like Harvard and Stanford, which are also responding to federal funding threats.
Faculty and staff have raised concerns about the long-term impact of these financial challenges on research, education quality, and the university's mission.