Dear AU community,

We had a successful November Board of Trustees meeting last week. As we move forward on the strategic plan (more information will be coming on that soon), we have several important operational updates to share.

Winter Break this year will be extended to two full weeks. Based on this year’s calendar, the university will be closed starting on Saturday, December 20, 2025, and we will return to work on Monday, January 5, 2026 (with the campus officially re-opening on Saturday, January 3). For employees and offices with ongoing essential operational requirements during this time, managers will provide additional direction. This extended break recognizes the outstanding work across our community as we navigate the challenging headwinds buffeting higher education and continue delivering a high-quality AU education and experience for our students.

Despite ongoing financial pressures, we remain committed to recognizing and supporting our staff. I am pleased to announce that we will provide a 1 percent lump sum payment to full- and part-time employees whose annual salaries, as of November 19, 2025, fall between $60,000 and $64,999. To be eligible for the increase, a staff member must have been hired, transferred into a current position, received a compensation change, or been promoted into their position prior to May 1, 2025. Eligible staff will receive payment in their December check.

To maintain a balanced FY26 budget while we address below-target enrollment levels this year, additional savings measures are required. We will reduce the university’s retirement contribution match to 1:1 (revised from the current 2:1 match) for six months. This change will be in place from January 1 to June 30, 2026. We understand that this step is difficult. The decision is based on community feedback and our commitment to minimize impacts on our people.

During the fall community forums, we heard clear preferences from faculty and staff to pursue budget savings that did not include permanent layoffs. The community expressed support for changes to retirement contributions or other non-personnel actions if additional expense reductions were needed. We are honoring that feedback.

As we approach Thanksgiving and the conclusion of a successful semester, I want to thank you all for your dedication and contributions to AU. Our focus on our mission, our students, and each other is key to our bright future ahead.

With gratitude,

Jonathan R. Alger
President, American University