Four Things to Know for December 2024

1. Budget Planning
We have begun our budget planning process for 2025-26. This is our last year under “enhanced monitoring,” and we are required to make an overall 0.75% cut. The 1.67% cuts we have made over the previous two years have resulted in savings of $2.4 million. Budgets are due from each vice chancellor to Finance & Administration by January 16. For more details on budget planning and to watch a recording of the recent budget presentation, visit the Finance & Administration website.

Note: The Governor’s recent hiring and travel freeze for state agencies does not apply to higher education. As the state budget process unfolds, we will gain a clearer understanding of its implications. While the state’s expected budget shortfall is a concern, we anticipate having more time to address its potential effects.

2. Enrollment continues on an upward trend
Applications for Autumn 2025 are up in all categories (overall 3.4%), as is registration for Winter 2025. We released admission decisions earlier this year — starting October 6 — which puts us ahead of most schools and has resulted in some early confirmations. The FAFSA and WAFSA applications have opened, and the process is running smoothly so far. Please encourage students to complete those applications as soon as possible. If any students have concerns about the federal process, encourage them to make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office.

The Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan is in the process of being written up and with goals set for final approval by executive leadership. It will be shared with campus in early 2025.

3. Legislative session begins January 13
We are focusing on three priorities for the upcoming budget negotiations. The first is a priority for all of the state’s higher education institutions to adjust the funding split for compensation increases. The goal is for the legislature to fully fund these increases. (Currently, the UW must cover 40% of the cost.) Then we have two UW Tacoma priorities: a $4 million request to support nursing workforce education in the South Sound, and a request to make permanent the $776,000 in temporary funding we received last year for student support. The full UW legislative agenda is available online. 

4. Campus Master Plan still open for input
If you missed the recent sessions, there is still time to provide input on the Campus Master Plan through the online survey. The website has also recently been updated with new data and input received as of December 3.

Missed the Campus Update? You can watch the recording here.