University of Alaska implements executive and senior leader furloughs

University of Alaska senior administrators, including president Jim Johnsen, will take mandatory furloughs, university officials said Wednesday.

“It is important that each of us do all that we can to help mitigate the financial impacts of COVID-19, the reduction in state support, declining enrollment and other factors,” Johnsen said. “Our students have worked hard to transition from campus life to remote studies. Our faculty have succeeded in delivering those distance courses. Now it is our turn. As leaders we must do our part.”

Johnsen and all senior administrators in the university system, including faculty who hold significant administrative leadership roles, will take mandatory furloughs during the coming fiscal year to help relieve budget pressures.

The furloughs, put into place by Johnsen, will affect 166 people. Notices will be issued April 30 to 13 executives, 81 senior administrators, and 72 faculty administrative leaders including deans and directors.

Furloughed executives will include Johnsen, Chancellors Cathy Sandeen, Dan White, and the incoming UAS chancellor all of whom will be furloughed for 10 days throughout the fiscal year. Also furloughed for 10 days will be provosts, vice presidents, and chief officers. Senior administrators including vice chancellors, associate vice presidents, associate vice chancellors, and faculty administrative leaders will be furloughed for eight days.

The total budget impact of the furloughs is anticipated to be $554,000.

Johnsen said future cost-reduction measures will be considered before the final budget is adopted by the Board of Regents in June.

The university last implemented executive furloughs in 2016 to help balance budget reductions.