U of I Says Layoffs and Furloughs Are Possible

As the University of Iowa continues to figure out the exact financial blow from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reports U of I President Bruce Harreld warned that layoff and furloughs could be coming. Some departments could be hit harder than others.

The school projects a loss of nearly $70 million by August. That does NOT include U of I Health Care which through the end of this month is expected to take a $120 million hit due to the pandemic, with only around $30 million in federal stimulus money available. The Gazette reports that Harreld noted that leaders across the university will be forced to make tough decisions, some that will impact employees. He stated that self-sustaining units like athletics and housing and dining face "steeper losses."

The Gazette reports that in meaningful work for some employees can't be found, they would file for a temporary redeployment pool. Those employees could be asked to take vacation, compensatory time, or even unpaid leave. Supervisors could also consider hiring and salary freezes, pay cuts, furloughs, or temporary and permanent layoffs.

Iowa's other two public universities have also warned of pay cuts and staff changes after all three school canceled classes in mid-March due to the pandemic. The Board of Regents las week committed to re-opening campuses for fall classes. Plans for how the schools would be allowed to open up for students and activities have yet to be announced.