FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Academics of the University of Oregon Condemns University's Misguided Layoffs of Award-Winning Educators
Administration's decisions raise serious questions about commitment to classroom excellence
Eugene, OR – June 20, 2025 – United Academics of the University of Oregon, AAUP/AFT Local 3209, AFL-CIO, strongly condemns the University's announced faculty layoffs, which target some of our institution's most accomplished educators and include multiple recipients of prestigious, competitive teaching awards. These decisions not only undermine the quality of education Oregonians deserve but raise troubling questions about the administration's priorities and motivations, especially at a time when the University of Oregon is expecting the largest-ever incoming class this fall.
Among those facing termination are faculty members who have been recognized repeatedly by the institution and their respective fields for their exceptional contributions to student learning and academic excellence. The administration's willingness to eliminate these proven educators reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes a university successful.
"These layoffs are not just numbers on a spreadsheet – they represent the loss of irreplaceable expertise and mentorship that our students rely on," said Kate Mills, incoming UAUO President. "When President Scholz eliminates award-winning teachers, he’s telling students, parents, and the community that educational excellence is not a priority."
The university administration continues to insist that these cuts were necessary despite a lack of financial transparency and lack of attempts to work jointly with faculty on finding financial solutions without such a large number of layoffs.
UO Administration’s Actions and Messaging Demonstrate Questionable Values
UAUO is still collecting information about the full extent of the administration’s plans. However, what we have already learned is deeply troubling and sends a stark message to the university community. One of the faculty to receive a layoff notice was Mike Urbancic, UAUO’s outgoing President. Mike has served the university community with distinction for 13 years and has been a tireless advocate for both educational quality and labor representation. As a frequent instructor of introductory economics courses, Mike is one of the most recognized and beloved faces on campus. Mike sponsors student extracurricular activities and frequently engages with the public through UO’s Pine Mountain Observatory. Beyond serving on a staggering number of university-wide committees and initiatives over the last decade, Mike also led UAUO through the recent contentious bargaining cycle and helped broker a contract without a faculty strike.
Laying off Mike shows that the Scholz Administration does not value student engagement or community service. Those who support the flourishing of Oregonians on our campus should themselves be supported by our leaders. Unfortunately, it has become clear that President Scholz is unwilling to back up his lofty words with action.
These layoffs come at a time when the number of administrative positions, together with their salaries, has continued to increase. Often, these administrative positions do not directly interact with students or reduce faculty service obligations. These actions send a clear message to faculty that their efforts in teaching and service are not of value.
Impact on Students and Academic Quality
UAUO has received multiple reports that these layoffs were executed without any plans for covering the responsibilities of these valued faculty members. As a result, these layoffs will have immediate and lasting consequences for Oregon students:
- Fewer course offerings, increased class sizes and reduced individual attention
- Loss of specialized teaching expertise in critical academic areas
- Disruption of ongoing research and mentorship relationships
- Weakened academic programs that students depend on
Call for Transparency and Accountability
In light of these developments, United Academics of the University of Oregon urges the Scholz Administration to reverse its destructive and short-sighted decision to fire faculty. Furthermore, UAUO demands:
- Full transparency in the criteria used for these and any future layoff decisions
- Meaningful consultation with faculty union before any additional cuts are implemented
- A commitment to protecting the educational mission of the university without asking remaining faculty to take on additional uncompensated labor
- Accountability for poor financial planning on the part of senior administrators
"Our students deserve better than an administration that treats education as a commodity to be stripped down rather than a public good to be protected," said Mills. "We call on the Board of Trustees, students, parents, and community members to hold the Scholz Administration accountable for these short-sighted decisions."
United Academics of the University of Oregon is a labor union that represents 1,800 professors, instructors, librarians, researchers, and postdoctoral scholars. UAUO has been advocating for academic excellence and fair working conditions since 2012.
Contact Information: Kate Mills, UAUO Incoming President, mills@uauoregon.org
United Academics of the University of Oregon, www.uauoregon.org, @uauoregon