UVU announces layoffs following legislative action on state university budgets

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Valley University is the latest to announce layoffs following new legislation changing state universities’ budgets.

UVU said it laid off less than 2% of its full-time employees. The university said it experienced less damage because it proactively put in place a hiring freeze last fall.

In a statement to KSL, the university said it had to reduce job positions after school officials were told by the Legislature they had to reallocate almost $9 million from their budget next school year.

Almost a third of those positions were already vacant because of the hiring freeze.

UVU said it also dissolved its Center for Intercultural Engagement because of “budget allocations, as well as the strict enforcement of state law and intense legislative oversight.”

UVU’s announcement came after Utah State University announced earlier this month that layoffs are inevitable. In March, USU told employees they have the option to voluntarily step down.