Under pressure: the impact of (upcoming) budget cuts at Utrecht University

Utrecht University faces major budget cuts –  the most significant financial reorganization in decades. To better understand how these developments affect staff, the Teaching Community at UU (T@UU) and the Utrecht Young Academy (UYA) conducted a university-wide survey.

The report shares the perspectives and concerns of staff across faculties and career stages. It highlights anticipated effects on teaching, research, workload, job security, and well-being, as well as the need for clear communication and meaningful involvement in decision-making.

Key take aways:

• Deep concern and negative outlook: most staff view the budget cuts as harmful, expecting declines in both teaching and research quality. 
• Rising workload and pressure: larger class sizes, less research time, and reduced flexibility, leading to more stress and overtime. 
• Job insecurity hits early career staff hardest: non-renewal of temporary contracts and reduced opportunities heighten uncertainty, especially for junior academics. 
• Declining morale and job satisfaction: staff report lower enthusiasm and motivation, with many considering leaving academia altogether. 
• Lack of involvement and unclear communication: many do not feel included in decision-making and struggle to understand how the cuts will affect them personally. 
• Support needs remain unmet: staff call for clearer communication, workload reduction, mental health resources and stronger advocacy from the university. 
• Perceived inadequate response from UU: despite some positive actions, the university’s approach is seen as insufficient. 

Marijn van Ellen