Cornell University has implemented a four-month hiring freeze and urged department heads to cut expenses, citing financial uncertainty due to potential federal research funding cuts and proposed tax hikes on university endowments.
Interim President Michael Kotlikoff warned that changes to National Institutes of Health (NIH) reimbursements and increased endowment taxes could significantly impact Cornell’s budget. A new committee will review hiring exceptions during the freeze, while departments must trim discretionary spending.
Cornell, which spent $452 million on NIH-funded research last year, has joined a lawsuit to block the proposed cuts. Meanwhile, Republican-led tax proposals could cost the university hundreds of millions annually. Leaders remain hopeful the university will navigate these financial challenges without major disruption.
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