HB 265: Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment

Updated as of March 29, 2025

Overview

In January, the state legislature approved reallocating $60 million from the combined base budgets of the Utah institutions of higher education to the Utah Board of Higher Education () (). The legislature then passed , which provides a mechanism for the schools to earn that funding back. The schools are required to create a plan to strategically rebalance funding, moving funding to areas warranting additional investment from areas identified for reduction, based on a set of criteria focused on program performance, workforce needs, and efficiency. For Weber State University, the amount that must be reallocated is around $6.7 million.

This bill will go into effect as soon as it is signed by the governor or as of May 7, 2025, whichever is earlier.     

This plan will require difficult decisions that will necessarily impact programs and positions at Weber State. As those decisions are made, we will find ways to support our people and community who are impacted. 

Throughout this process, we are committed to focusing on the following:

• Maintaining a student-centered approach that enhances access opportunities, retention, and completion rates 
• Balancing demands for workforce preparation with student learning and development
• Improving our fiscal efficiency by reducing redundancy and streamlining pathways and services

• What information will the university will use to make this decision?

  HB 265 lists the following criteria be utilized in its decision-making:

  • Demonstrated enrollment data
  • Completion rate and timely completion
  • Discipline-related professional outcomes, including placement, employment, licensure and wage outcomes
  • Current and future localized and statewide workforce demands
  • Program-level cost
  • Institution’s mission and role within the statewide system

   

  The law also requires identifying areas, operational efficiencies, and other components of instruction and administrative functions that warrant further investment or disinvestment.

  The law requires institutions to retain core general education curricula that enable students to acquire critical thinking, problem solving, citizenship, communication and other durable skills.

  In addition, UBHE is required to provide additional guidance on metrics and evaluative processes for the institutions to use in analyzing programs and budgets to develop the plan. That guidance has not yet been released.

• When does this have to happen?

  We must submit our plan for the initial approval of UBHE by May 9 in order for them to approve the plan by June 30, 2025. We intend to release the plan to campus April 21, 2025. Legislative committees have final approval in meetings to occur in August and September 2025. 

  The law requires our plan to include reallocations that can be spread over the next three years according to the following timeline:

  • 2027-28: 100% reinvested

  • 2025-26: At least 30% reinvested

  • 2026-27: At least 70% reinvested

• How is Weber State going to create its reinvestment plan?

  We have assembled a committee with representation from key stakeholder groups, including faculty representation from each college, who can help the university navigate the implementation of this bill, including the following: 

  • Discuss criteria and identify potential cost savings in reallocating academic and student success programs to comply with legislation
  • Provide recommendations to gather input and communicate with university stakeholders (e.g., surveys, town halls) 
  • Propose measures to support faculty, staff and students affected by reinvestment decisions, such as voluntary separation incentives, teachout and reassignment opportunities
  • Recommend strategies for maintaining morale during and after the budget reallocation process

  This committee has been working with a data team to collect data about the following about academic programs:

  • Number of majors and graduates
  • Estimated future demand (job openings in 5 years as a ratio to grads)
  • Enrollment in courses including budget related, self-support and concurrent credit hours; enrollment is also broken down by within major and out of major credit hours offered
  • Term-to-term persistence
  • Percentage of students graduating within two years at 45 credit hours (associate degrees) and 90 credit hours (bachelor’s degrees)
  • Percentage attending graduate and professional school within two years
  • Reported Department of Workforce Services median wage within one year and five years
  • Student FTE by faculty FTE
  • Cost per student FTE

   

  This data is being provided to campus for further review. It is designed to support discussions with deans and campus stakeholders and to inform future decision-making, but will not be determinative. Rather, any data and suggestions from the committee will be considered as the review process continues.

• What plans or initiatives has Weber State already announced to help fulfill the reinvestment plan?

  The university has released preliminary information about the . The university will be working to present this information in alignment with USHE's requirements and will share it for UBHE's approval in their May 9, 2025 meeting.  

• How can I get more information or submit feedback or concerns?

  Concerns, suggestions, or questions may be submitted to legal@weber.edu.

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The information above is for general overview purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each situation is different and legal review is fact-specific. Consult the law or policies for specific information.