photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

KU's Allen Fieldhouse is pictured in this Sept. 27, 2023, aerial photo.

The University of Kansas is implementing an immediate hiring freeze as KU’s top leaders are ordering deans and other department heads to find $32 million in annual savings on Lawrence campus.

A Wednesday message to KU employees from Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer and Chief Financial Officer Jeff DeWitt also indicated that KU employees should not expect a 2.5% across-the-board pay increase that most other state employees are receiving as part of funding from the Kansas Legislature. Rather, the letter indicated wage increases would be more targeted.

“Please note that the across-the-board 2.5% pay increase the State of Kansas is providing to employees in agencies under the purview of the governor do not apply to KU employees,” the written message states. “KU has received an allocation from the state that will be used to help fund wage increases pursuant to our budget plan.”

The message calls on department leaders this fall to present budget plans that — in total — save the Lawrence and Edwards campuses $16 million by July 1. Then, from July 1 to June 30, 2027, the budget plans need to achieve — in total — $32 million in annual savings for the campuses.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.