The Proposal

This is the initial report on proposed academic modifications, submitted to the University Senate and the Academic Modifications Advisory Committee on October 28, 2026. These are proposals, not final decisions. Final decisions will be made by President Scholz in early December.

In accordance with our agreed-upon schedule and section four of the AMAC policy, this initial report explains the need for academic modifications related to our $65 million structural budget deficit, outlines the preliminary proposal to redress this deficit with a focus on academic modifications, articulates the principles that have shaped the process of consultation we have engaged in to arrive at this preliminary proposal, and presents the timeline on which we plan to implement the changes considered here.

Where to find each section

• Sections I and II: Overview
• Section III: How We Got Here
• Section IV: Process
• Sections V and VI: Academic Proposals
• Section VII: Timeline
• Section VIII: Next Steps
• Full Preliminary Proposal for Academic Modifications Document: Below
• Full Consultation and Engagement document: Below

The reductions under consideration here have been informed by meaningful confidential consultation with the Academic Modifications Advisory Committee and by the feedback deans have received during the engagements they have had in their schools and colleges. We look forward to receiving broader community input through the AMAC’s public phase of this process.

As we navigate the $65 million structural deficit and move toward a more focused and sustainable academic strategy, we have been oriented in our planning by the working vision document, Toward a Premier R1 University, and its commitment to preserve a broad liberal arts education at the undergraduate level even as we elevate signature research strengths at the graduate level. This vision does not come without difficult strategic trade-offs, but the possible budget reductions considered here are presented to safeguard the core purpose of the university and the many tangible ways the University of Oregon serves our state and the world.

• The Academic Modifications Advisory Committee is soliciting feedback using a comment form and will also be scheduling a series of public Zoom listening sessions (dates and times TBA).
  • Link: AMAC proposal comment form
• You can send feedback to the Office of the Provost on the budget proposal or about its vision document to otp@uoregon.edu.
• You can also submit ideas to budgetideas@uoregon.edu.