FAQs
On July 7, 2025, Boston University announced an average 5% budget reduction across all units for FY2026, prompted by federal funding cuts, inflation, shifting demographics, and declining graduate enrollment. As part of this effort, workforce reductions were necessary—a difficult but essential step toward long-term sustainability. While the number of affected positions is small relative to the size of our total workforce, we recognize the impact is significant and understand the concerns it raises. We’re committed to supporting impacted employees through professional advising and career transitional services. The following FAQs aim to provide greater context and address common questions.
Budget Reduction Background and Process
Why are these budget cuts happening now?
In the spring, we shared that budget cuts would be necessary across the University, reflecting the difficult reality that, like many of our peer institutions across the country, we continue to face financial headwinds. Federal actions and funding cuts are impacting both our research enterprise and day-to-day operations. At the same time, we’re contending with other pressures such as rising inflation, changing demographics, and declining graduate enrollment. Strategic budget reductions are necessary to align expenses with revenue, for a sustainable future.
What process was used to determine budget reductions?
This past spring, all units were asked to submit budget-reduction plans of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% for FY2026. University leadership reviewed these plans to determine the best path forward—one that allows us to perpetuate the University’s mission at the highest level for the foreseeable future. Throughout this process, our guiding principle has been to continue supporting our students, faculty, and staff, as well as our essential academic and research programs, while minimizing negative impacts whenever possible.
Why is the University making new investments while cutting its budget?
Boston University remains committed to innovative programs and strategic investments to best serve the evolving needs of our students and society. Across our campuses, teams are working hard to position Boston University for long-term success. As we move forward, we must seize new opportunities and ensure that we continue to equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s world.
Workforce Reductions and Departmental Impacts
How many staff positions will be eliminated? In what areas?
122 staff positions and 92 vacant positions will be eliminated. In addition, 17 positions will involve a change in schedule. These changes affect approximately 1% of our workforce.
Who selected the positions to be terminated?
Individual schools, colleges, and units assessed their budget reductions and identified the positions affected. Workforce reductions are taking place across the institution—not in any one area or role—based on the budget plans submitted by each unit. While the overall impact affects approximately 1% of our workforce, we recognize how difficult any reduction is and have worked to limit personnel impacts as much as possible.
What notice or transition period will be provided to impacted employees?
Eligible employees will continue to receive their full pay and benefits during a “Transition Period,” which begins the day that they are notified that their position is being eliminated and ends thirty days after, provided that they do not accept employment in another position at BU or elsewhere.
Will I be expected to work during my layoff notice period?
It depends on your individual situation. Please refer to your notification letter for specific expectations. Generally, employees may be asked to help wrap up ongoing work while using this time to explore new employment opportunities. Outplacement services are available to support you during this period.
Are faculty members also being laid off?
This workforce reduction affects staff. While faculty are not part of this action, ongoing federal funding uncertainty is impacting research and may put pressure on other activities in the future. As the University adjusts to budget realities, faculty and staff may continue to feel the effects in different ways.
Are more layoffs coming?
Deans and leadership will inform their individual school, college, or unit when the current workforce reduction process is complete. While no further workforce reductions are planned, we, like many of our peer institutions, are living through uncertain times. The University continually evaluates ways to strengthen our financial position and long-term stability, and there may be pressures in the future that require us to adapt and restructure.
Is the University offering incentives for employees to resign?
The University is not offering incentives for resignations at this time.
Will departments reorganize to adapt to fewer positions?
Individual programs and departments are assessing whether reorganization is needed in response to these reductions.
How will departments reallocate the workload of the positions that have been terminated?
Individual departments have reviewed their structure, services, and staffing in response to these cuts and are implenting solutions based on their unique needs.
Severance and Benefits
What severance package is the University providing?
Impacted employees will receive full pay and benefits during the 30-day “Transition Period,” which is from the date they were notified of the layoff to their position-elimination date, provided they do not accept another job at BU or elsewhere. After the “Transition Period,” employees will receive one week’s pay for each full year of continuous service at Boston University. This severance, known as the “pay continuation period,” is calculated based on the employee’s last date of hire and is prorated for a partial year. For more information, please refer to the
Severance Pay Plan page.
Will employee benefits be impacted?
If you’re enrolled in a BU health or dental plan, your coverage will continue through the end of the month in which your last day of employment falls. For example, if your last day is June 3, coverage lasts through June 30. Employees hired before 1983 receive an additional month of coverage.
After your employment ends, you’ll receive a COBRA notice at your home address with information about continuing your coverage. All other benefits will end on your last day of employment, which is at the close of your pay continuation period.
Can I still receive tuition remission for myself or for my child if my position is eliminated?
Tuition Remission benefits for employees, their spouses, and eligible dependent children will cease at the conclusion of the semester in which their employment ends. Employees who have completed 10 years of continuous service and are age 55 or older may also receive tuition remission benefits for their eligible dependent children after they leave the University.
Will I receive a payout for my PTO if my position is terminated?
Yes, any accrued vacation hours will be paid out on your first payroll date after your position-elimination date.
Support Resources and Next Steps
What support services are available during this transition?
We are committed to fully supporting everyone whose position has been eliminated. In addition to providing severance packages, this includes career transitional services, guidance on unemployment benefits, and access to support services such as the
Faculty & Staff Assistance Office. Talent & Organizational Development & Learning offers coaching and workshops to help you upskill or reskill for future opportunities. For access to this resource, please reach out to your Human Resources Business Partner. BU also offers Outplacement Services through ClearRock. For more information, please view the
ClearRock Career Transition Support Guide.
When can an employee who has been laid off apply for unemployment?
If your employment with the University ends, you might be eligible to apply for Unemployment Benefits through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts after your last day of work. Boston University does not decide who qualifies for these benefits.
For more details on how to apply, please see the Massachusetts Unemployment How-To-File Form.
What should a terminated employee on a work visa do?
Are there other personnel actions being taken in addition to layoffs?
The actions involve layoffs as well as reduced schedules.
Our Human Resources team is available for support. If you have questions or need assistance, you can reach them at hr@bu.edu.