May 4, 2020

Dear UD Faculty and Staff,

The President’s letter to our community provided an update on the COVID-19 impact on University operations and the outlook ahead as we chart our path forward.

We appreciate everyone’s support of the steps we are taking as we implement necessary cost containment measures for the ultimate, long-term benefit of our community and the advancement of our academic mission. We also want to communicate that cost mitigation is not just about reduction, but also preservation. To this end, we want to ensure that we are exhausting all possibilities to protect our workforce.

Recognizing the sacrifices required across the University, the President, Provost and Executive Vice President will be taking a 10% cut in our salaries for Fiscal Year 2021. In addition, all members of the UD senior leadership team, including all vice presidents, deputy and vice provosts, deans, chief investment officer, executive director of campus and public safety, chief of police, athletic director and football and men’s and women’s basketball coaches, have volunteered to take salary cuts of 5%. We are grateful to the members of the senior leadership team for their personal sacrifice and display of commitment to our University.

In addition, effective July 1, 2020, the salary base for all UD employees will remain frozen for Fiscal Year 2021, with no annual merit increases. Exceptions will be made for faculty and staff promotions that have already been approved. We are also in the process of discussing with respective unions how to deal with contractually mandated raises covered under collective bargaining agreements.

As we all confront this challenging time in our world, we also want you to know that the University is establishing the Blue Hen Strong Fund and COVID-19 Employee Emergency Relief Fund to assist students and employees in need. The strength of our community continues to impress all of us every day as we work to overcome the challenges that we are all facing together.

We are committed to a brighter future, and we are grateful for your understanding, your loyalty, and all that you do to keep the University of Delaware moving forward.

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis President
Robin Morgan Provost
John Long Executive Vice President