University of Utah Considers Cutting Hundreds of Administrative Jobs
The University of Utah is considering cutting between 285 and 855 administrative staff positions as part of a restructuring effort. Officials cite rising expenses, declining confidence in higher education, and reduced federal research funding, and say some reductions may come through turnover or retirements. The changes are expected to be phased in through June 2027.
The University of Utah in Salt Lake City announced on Sept. 8 a modernization plan that might affect 285 to 855 administrative roles. That range represents an estimated 5% to 15% decrease in selected administrative areas; officials described the figures as preliminary projections, not fixed dismissal goals.
The institution has roughly 5,700 employees outside faculty and clinical roles among over 47,000 combined full- and part-time roles. Leaders cite growing costs, eroding public trust in higher education, and diminished federal research support. They intend to combine human resources, IT, finance, and communications operations, with changes introduced in stages through June 2027.
If implemented, these reductions could affect hundreds of university employees and their families, while students and faculty may experience changes in administrative services, research support, and campus operations. Consolidating functions may create efficiencies, but it could also strain remaining staff and slow some services. The phased timeline may soften disruption, though uncertainty for workers could persist until final decisions are made.