UMD budget update (6/26/25)

 

Dear Colleagues, Over the last couple of weeks you have received communications from University of Minnesota leadership about our budget for the upcoming fiscal year. These messages and the approved budget represent a new strategy to navigate the financial challenges facing the university. This balanced budget addresses the constrained state funding, cuts to federal investments, and rising inflation. The budget includes solutions to meet the challenges of our current financial reality and to ensure the long-term well-being of UMD.   UMD FY26 Budget Under the approved University of Minnesota budget, UMD’s budget for FY26 is $301.1 million for all non-sponsored programs and operations, which is 4% higher than FY25. Net tuition revenue and state-appropriated operations and maintenance (O&M) funding represent about 58% of non-sponsored resources. Those critical resources remain relatively flat.  Navigating the profound challenges facing higher education will require difficult choices as well as investment in the people and programs that enable UMD to fulfill its mission. In particular, the U of M budget calls for a 7% reduction in O&M expenses over FY26 and FY27. That budget also invests in our outstanding faculty and staff, student success priorities, buildings and infrastructure, and research. Scope reductions will be uncomfortable and will affect every campus, college, and unit across the University. These changes will enable us to focus our resources on the programs and investments that are most essential to our identity and most impactful for those we serve. In partnership with UMD leaders, I will continue over the next several months to fine-tune our strategy and reduce our budget to meet the challenges of our current times.  Fall 2025 Tuition UMD’s resident and Midwest tuition rates will increase by 4% beginning fall 2025. With the increase, resident tuition will be nearly 12% lower than it was in 2014 after adjusting for inflation. That tuition adjustment helps sustain the experiential learning and research experiences that prepare our students for successful careers and lives. The value of a UMD education remains strong, and I am pleased that we were able to keep our change in tuition lower than the increases experienced at many other universities. We remain firmly committed to accessibility and affordability through the University, state, and federal financial aid programs. Additionally, University and donor-supported scholarships continue to make education accessible and affordable, so that our students graduate with an average loan debt far below the national average. Financial Path Forward I am grateful to the deans, research directors, and all unit leaders for their creativity and engagement in the UMD budget call process earlier this spring. We also appreciate the insights and guidance of shared governance leaders, department heads, the academic revisioning committee, and many others in campus conversations throughout this last year. There is no shortage of passion for this campus and for our students.   I ask for your continued participation and support as we navigate these financial challenges together. Working in partnership, I am confident that we will remain a strong institution for many years to come.  Thank you,

Charles Nies Chancellor

Announcing our new executive vice chancellor and provost (June 6, 2025)

 

Dear UMD community, I am excited to announce Rebecca Ropers as our new executive vice chancellor and provost. She has been serving in the interim role since July 1, 2024, and I am grateful for her leadership this past year and excited about the future. Dr. Ropers has been a scholar and educational leader for nearly three decades, first at Louisiana State University and for the last 18 years at the University of Minnesota. Beginning with her PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she has prioritized faculty development and organizational change to facilitate inclusive and engaged communities. She has held many leadership roles, including department chair, chair of the faculty governance executive body, and vice provost for faculty and academic affairs. Before joining UMD, she served as the senior advisor for academic leadership and conflict resolution on the Twin Cities campus. As EVC/Provost, Dr. Ropers serves as the chief academic officer for the campus and senior advisor to the chancellor. Provost Ropers will provide visionary leadership for academic programs and processes while collaboratively fostering a culture of connection, excellence, and innovation. Dr. Ropers has proven to be a thoughtful leader with tremendous dedication to our UMD community. I’m thrilled that she will continue to share her talents, insights, and curiosity with us into the future. Please join me in congratulating Rebecca on this important appointment, which will officially begin soon, upon approval by the Board of Regents. I also want to express my gratitude to the search advisory committee for their work in this process. The search was chaired by Matt Massman. Other committee members included Kim Dauner, Abel Knochel, Ryan Goei, Catherine O’Reilly, Brianne Vigen, and Aidan Zeissler. The search was supported by Jean Neibauer. Sincerely,

Charles Nies Chancellor

Envisioning UMD’s Mission and Values

 

Dear Colleagues, We write to follow up on the experience of nearly 200 faculty and staff who shared their views during our May 12th forum on Our Mission, Our Values, Our Community. Our time together was filled with honest reflection, powerful storytelling, and thoughtful connection. We are grateful for the insights, deep engagement, and generosity of spirit of those who attended. We’re excited to share two pieces that capture the heart of what emerged at the May gathering: The summary report by Jen Mein describes what we heard throughout our time together, including key themes, quotes, and collective hopes for UMD’s future. The graphic recording by Viola Clark brings our conversations to life in visual form in a way that is full of truth, clarity, and inspiration. This forum was part of a larger effort to align our mission and expressed values with who we are and where we’re headed. What was shared will shape how we plan our future and live into our purpose with clarity and care. Whether or not you attended, please know that we are in the process of co-creating UMD's future. You will receive invitations to join our strategic planning efforts, which will begin in earnest in the fall. We’re grateful for your voice, your vision, and how you show up for our campus community. Please reach out if you have thoughts, questions, or reflections you’d like to share moving forward. With deep appreciation, Charles Nies, Chancellor Rebecca Ropers, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Announcing our new vice chancellor for student life

 

Dear UMD community, I am excited to announce that Kay Robinson will be joining us as our new vice chancellor for student life (VCSL). Dr. Robinson has over two decades of experience in student affairs, directly working with or overseeing student involvement and culture, leadership, and campus programs. Robinson comes to UMD from the University of Central Oklahoma, where she had served for 17 years, most recently in the role of assistant vice president of student affairs. Previously, Robinson served as assistant director of the Ohio Union at The Ohio State University. A lifelong learner, she holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Maryville University - St. Louis, a master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University, and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The VCSL is a key member of the university’s senior leadership team and is responsible for shaping a holistic student experience by creating and implementing strategic initiatives, building key partnerships, and leading an experienced team to advance student success and belonging. Dr. Robinson’s strategic visioning, relational leadership, and emphasis on supporting transformative student experiences will be a great asset here at UMD. Her strengths lie in building, cultivating, and maintaining positive relationships. Please join me in welcoming Kay to campus. Her first day will be July 7. I want to express my gratitude to Jeremy Leiferman, who stepped into the interim vice chancellor for student life position upon Dr. Lisa Erwin’s retirement last summer. Jeremy is a strong leader with a sincere passion for our students. He did an incredible job in the interim role and will continue to be a great asset to our leadership team here at UMD. Jeremy will resume the associate vice chancellor for student life role once Kay begins. Thank you, Jeremy. I also want to express my gratitude to the search advisory committee and our search partner Isaacson, Miller for their work in this successful process. The search was co-chaired by Trevor Eagle and Remi Foust. Other committee members included Jonathan Lee, Kaylyn Madison, Lesa Radtke, and Ella Swarbrick. The search was supported by Jean Neibauer. Have a good day,

Charles Nies Chancellor

End of semester greetings

UMD students, faculty, and staff, Congratulations on a successful semester and the conclusion of finals week! I can't believe how quickly this year has gone. I wanted to share this brief video message with you to help commemorate the end of this semester and the academic year. Thanks again for a great year. I’ve learned so much in my first year here as chancellor, and I trust that each of you has expanded your knowledge as well. To our graduates, congratulations! We are so proud of you, your determination, and your hard work. Thank you for all you’ve done to contribute to UMD and our campus community. Please stay engaged with us and know that you’re always welcome back to campus. We look forward to seeing where this next chapter in your journey takes you! It’s my hope that you enjoy a restful and restorative summer. Best,

Charles Nies Chancellor

You’re Invited, May 12: Our Mission, Our Values, Our Community

 

Dear Colleagues, Now is a time to ensure UMD’s values and identity reflect who we truly are. Let’s build clarity and community—together. We invite all UMD faculty and staff to join us for a half-day retreat to shape UMD’s next chapter:   Our Mission, Our Values, Our Community May 12, 9 am to 2 pm (coffee served at 8:30; lunch included) Kirby Ballroom Please RSVP here and add to your calendar   This isn’t just another meeting. It’s a space to think big, listen deeply, and contribute to the evolving story of UMD. Expect engaging discussions, thought-provoking questions, and space to reflect and connect with colleagues about what makes our campus distinctive. We’re partnering with a seasoned facilitator and a graphic storyteller to help us harvest the insights and ideas shared to inform future planning and engagement with our broader campus community.  When grounded in purpose and a clear sense of who we are, we’re better equipped to set bold priorities, make thoughtful decisions, and stay true to UMD’s identity. A shared foundation will empower us to move forward with confidence and imagination—ready to shape what comes next, together. As we prepare to gather on May 12, we want to acknowledge the moment we’re in. News of federal funding cuts, rising costs, and shifting expectations for higher education are creating real disruptions, stress, and grief. We recognize the toll this may be taking on your mind, body, and spirit. Our intention is to offer a space that is energizing and grounded in care, a space where you are welcomed just as you are. If joining doesn’t feel right for you, that’s OK. We will share the outcomes of the day afterward and invite future participation. Sincerely, Charles Nies, Chancellor Rebecca Ropers, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Update on budget and system conversations

 

Dear Colleagues,   I feel the excitement of the campus community as we move to the end of the academic year and celebrate the many accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff. It is difficult to believe that I am nearing the end of my first year, as I am still learning daily about the remarkable efforts of UMD.    In my April 10 email update, I mentioned that we would present our academic/fiscal year 2026 (FY26) campus budget request to U of M System leadership in mid-April. I am writing with an update on that conversation.  First, I want to thank leadership from across campus who participated in our new budget call process earlier this semester. This process and these discussions allowed for intentional thinking around both reallocations and areas of opportunity. It was very helpful to hear and learn from colleagues, and we used that context to inform our presentation.  Last Friday, UMD leaders made a wonderful presentation to our U of M System leadership colleagues. In that presentation, we highlighted our accomplishments, strengths, and the essential role we play in fulfilling the university’s statewide mission. We advocated for increased resources to enhance student success, fund faculty and staff compensation, and maintain our facilities. We also discussed the ongoing legislative budget process that will determine state funding for the U of M for the next two years. Given the current budget proposals at the legislature, we are expecting no additional resources for the U of M.  While it may be several months before we have certainty on our budget allocations and related budget decisions, the conversation underscored that difficult budget decisions lie ahead for UMD, the U of M System, and higher education in general. We will continue to engage with partners locally and across the system to do all we can to enable and amplify UMD’s success. As we near the end of the academic year, I thank you for your dedication, passion for UMD and student success, and for going above and beyond. I anticipate with excitement how great it will feel to see each of our graduates cross the stage at commencement and leverage their talents and skills to positively impact the larger world. Sincerely,

Charles Nies Chancellor