Transitioning from a hiring frost to a freeze
Dear Brandeis Community Members:As you know, fiscal uncertainty—particularly in research funding and enrollments—is having an unprecedented impact across higher education. In recognition of this challenging landscape, and in line with our peer institutions, Brandeis is transitioning from a hiring frost to a freeze, effective today.
Why are we taking this step? First, like many of our peers, we are refraining from new long-term hiring commitments due to the unpredictable and volatile nature of federal funding. Given that we cannot reliably forecast this vital funding stream, we are acting now to shore up resources. Second, we are prioritizing retention of our current employees. As our ongoing restructuring leads to the elimination of some positions, our goal is to redeploy affected staff into open roles where possible. A hiring freeze will help preserve opportunities for this internal movement. Third, and more broadly, taking this step at Brandeis will preserve institutional flexibility, better control costs, and conserve funds as we prepare financial strategies and workforce management plans to address future challenges.
What does this mean? Effectively immediately, all faculty and staff hiring requisitions, including those currently posted, are on hold. Positions fully funded by grants are not included in this freeze. Positions that are funded by either gifts or endowments and internal transfers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have a question about a position that is already posted please contact your HR Business Partner.
Managers should explore workload adjustment or interim arrangements for essential tasks in consultation with your unit leader and your HR Business Partner. We will notify you when we are able to lift the freeze; until then, it will remain in effect.
We recognize the challenge this may pose for our colleagues across the institution—especially for departments relying on new or replacement staff positions as well as those expanding programs or services. We understand how frustrating this news is, and we do not take this step lightly. But balancing prudent resource management with our institutional mission is vital to sustaining Brandeis through these unprecedented times.
This is not a freeze on programs. It is a temporary measure to sustain financial stability during a period of unprecedented uncertainty. Thank you for your partnership in steering our institution through this period of volatility. If you have any questions, please contact either your HR Business Partner (for staff positions) or the Provost Faculty Affairs office (for faculty positions).
Thank you.
Carol Fierke
Provost and EVP, Academic Affairs
Stew Uretsky
EVP, Finance and Administration