President Saliman discusses state budget, federal impacts with Faculty Senate

When speaking last fall before the Faculty Senate, President Todd Saliman said he anticipated a challenging year for state funding. During his April 24 appearance at the same governance group’s meeting, he was able to report good news for CU in the wake of the legislature’s budgeting process.

Speaking in his role as president of the Faculty Senate during its meeting held via Zoom, Saliman said CU lobbied legislators to provide funding for the university’s core costs and did so in coordination with nearly every other higher education institution in the state (Colorado Mesa University did not take part). CU also successfully fought against proposed cuts that targeted specific areas, such as a $20 million drop at CU Anschutz that did not advance.

“They funded our request and we’re incredibly grateful to them for doing that,” said Saliman, who extended kudos to CU’s Office of Government Relations. “And if you see a Joint Budget Committee member, thank them. They made it happen for CU and higher ed in Colorado.”

The state’s investment is expected to bring CU an operating increase of 2.5%, or $8.7 million in state funding, which in turn enables CU to keep tuition in check and allows for the consideration of compensation increases at the campuses.

Action related to this year’s rapid changes at the federal level, including numerous directives affecting higher education nationally, is now taking most of his time, Saliman said.

“I know it’s creating tremendous anxiety on our campuses with faculty, staff and students,” Saliman said. “It’s so important to recognize what is happening right now – the degree it’s impacting us, the degree it’s not and the degree it may impact us more in the future.”

Saliman said he receives weekly updates on grant stop orders and terminations, which had meant a $24 million systemwide impact as of mid-April; he said he expects the figure to increase.

“One of the things I’m most concerned about is not just the stop work and termination orders now, but even more, what is coming,” he said. “I don’t know the answer to that, just like you don’t, and it’s creating a ton of anxiety for all of us. As we learn more about that, we’ll share it with you.”

The president took questions from Faculty Senate members during his appearance, including queries about the budget outlook beyond the coming fiscal year. The tight state budget this year was not an exception but will be the rule for the next few years, he said.

“The federal funding piece of it is huge. I don’t know what’s headed our way and how dramatic of an impact the federal actions might have,” Saliman said. “What I do know is our capacity to intervene is quite limited. … If federal reductions are deep, that will absolutely have an impact on our mission – our ability to do research and some of our education mission – and it will absolutely impact jobs.”

Saliman also was asked about CU potentially joining some other higher education institutions in the state in signing a recent statement by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). He said there are no plans for CU to do so, because the university is engaging directly with Colorado’s elected officials at the national level.

“We’ve had meaningful support from our federal delegation on both sides of the aisle,” Saliman said. “I think having those direct conversations on specific things that impact us is much more persuasive than broad, general statements. As a former legislator, I know what’s most compelling.”

Though not signing the statement, CU stands in solidarity with higher education colleagues, he said. “But my first priority is defending the University of Colorado and the things being identified here that could result in dramatic funding cuts or changes at CU. That’s where I’m focusing my attention and resources.”

In the face of current challenges, rising above and being present for the university’s mission is vital, and Saliman expressed gratitude to faculty for doing so.

“Thank you for all the wonderful work that you’re doing, with the shifting landscape all around us,” he said. “Thank you for focusing on what matters most.”

Also at last week’s meeting, Faculty Senate voted to approve amendments to the group’s bylaws.

At a meeting of the Faculty Council that immediately followed the Faculty Senate meeting, the council elected a slate of officers for the 2025-26 academic year.

The council also announced the winners of its annual awards. The awards for Distinguished Service for council members Cindy O’Bryant and Vicky Grove, and the award for Administrator of the Year for Anne Fleming, will be presented at the council’s last meeting of the year, scheduled for May 15 at 1800 Grant St.