The University announced a hiring pause, effective immediately, across all colleges, schools, divisions and administrative units in a statement on Thursday afternoon, citing a “time of significant financial uncertainty” along with “all of American higher education.”
The decision comes amid Cornell and 11 other universities filing a lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health for funding restrictions that would cost the University $80 million. Several other universities, including Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northwestern University, have also announced hiring freezes in the past two weeks.
“The potential for deep cuts in federal research funding, as well as tax legislation affecting our endowment income, has now been added to existing concerns related to rapid growth and cost escalations,” the statement reads.
Earlier this month, Republican members of Congress introduced proposals to increase the excise tax rate from 1.4 percent to 10 percent of endowment income and to lower the per-student endowment threshold from $500,000 to $200,000 to include more eligible universities.
As of October, Cornell’s endowment was approximately $10.7 billion, according to the Office of University Investments. Cornell’s endowment per student was $395,108 in 2022.
Only positions deemed “essential” for departmental functions will continue their hiring process under an increased level of review. Positions determined by deans, vice provosts and vice presidents as “mission-critical” will continue their review process, while staff positions will be evaluated by a new central position control committee that reports to the provost.
Colleges will work with their deans to consult with the provost for faculty hiring. It is unclear how the hiring pause will affect graduate students.
The University highlighted the importance of hiring managers working with local college and unit human resources representatives so that all decisions are made in alignment with individual college needs.
To determine whether a position is “mission-critical,” the University will consider whether it contributes to the delivery of core services or supports critical operations that enable core services. Core services include teaching, research, information technology support and maintenance.
Units may not extend term appointments or temporary terms without consulting their college or unit human resources representatives. Additionally, no new temporary hires may be made.
The statement also encourages colleges and units to consider alternative solutions, such as using technology or an existing role to fulfill the position, before using independent contractors or those employed under a fixed-term contract.
“If you have employees in your organization who have available time, you should consider asking them to take on this work if possible,” the statement said. “You may want to look first at asking other staff to take on the work if their workload permits before deciding to request and [sic] exception to the hiring pause."
