Cornell Implements Four-Month Hiring Freeze Amid Financial Uncertainty

Cornell University has announced a four-month hiring freeze amid significant financial uncertainty, citing potential cuts to federal research funding and proposed tax hikes on university endowments. Interim President Michael Kotlikoff emphasized that the university is implementing strategic budgetary adjustments and has established a committee to evaluate which positions are considered 'mission critical.' This pause affects all departments and includes a review of currently posted positions, with exceptions made for essential roles. The freeze comes in the context of broader financial pressures across American higher education institutions, with Cornell joining a lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health to challenge funding restrictions. The university's endowment, currently around $10.7 billion, could be impacted by proposed federal tax increases, raising concerns about its financial stability. Cornell leadership is urging department heads to cut discretionary spending to navigate these challenges effectively.