University of Washington Athletics Announces Cost-Saving Measures

by Jeff Wright, posted in Headlines

Per The University of Washington Press Release…..

SEATTLE – University of Washington Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) has announced that it will be implementing several cost-saving measures to combat the financial impacts of COVID-19. 

“The department together is committed to maintaining all 22 of our programs and to providing a world-class education and athletic experience for our students,” said Jennifer Cohen, Director of Athletics. “While these decisions are difficult, this shared sacrifice model from our coaches and staff allows us to continue the momentum our student-athletes, coaches, fans and Tyee Club donors have built. We have significant challenges ahead, but we remain hopeful that our Husky family will come alongside us to support our students and teams that bring so much pride and joy to our community.”

Cost-saving measures for FY21 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021) include:

  • The following contribute to a 10% (approximately $5 million) total savings in staffing budget:
    • Voluntary salary reduction of all contract staff
      • Minimum 5% reduction for all head coaches (all head coaches have committed)
      • Minimum 3% reduction for all assistant coaches and for all other contract staff 
    • 2-4 week temporary furloughs for all professional, classified and union staff members (156 total staff members)
  • Current vacant positions stay open through June 30, 2021 and mid-year vacancies in non-critical positions remain vacant for a minimum of three months
  • 15% (approximately $8.5 million) total reduction in overall operating budget 

Cohen, as well as head coaches Jimmy Lake and Mike Hopkins, have committed to taking 5% salary reductions and waived all incentives for FY21. In addition, the three have each pledged a major gift to the department. 

Lake and Hopkins are each contributing $100,000 to assist ICA in funding a newly created senior-level diversity and inclusion staff position. The Associate Athletic Director position will be hired before the end of summer. Cohen’s gift of $50,000 is directed to the Competitive Edge Fund which supports medical/mental health services, academic and student-athlete development, sports performance and other programs that support the of holistic development of UW student-athletes. 

 

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Published by Jeff Wright

Jeff Wright is the “Owner/Editor In Chief” for DubLife and has over 28 years of experience and knowledge of Husky Sports. He also is a Huskies Radio Analyst on various shows including the weekly Radio/Podcast show “Dawg Thoughts”. Jeff has extensively covered Husky Football, Husky Basketball, Husky Baseball, Husky Softball and Husky fanfare events. As a former athlete and Letterman at the University of Washington in Men’s Tennis, his passion and charisma for the Huskies shows in his writing, expert coverage and analysis.