This message was shared with the faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on May 22, 2025.
Aloha colleagues,
As we close out the spring semester and look ahead to the months ahead, I want to thank you for your continued dedication during what remains a time of significant uncertainty for higher education across the country.
As you know, the federal funding landscape continues to shift rapidly. In response, the University of Hawaiʻi is taking additional proactive steps to preserve our financial stability and ensure that we remain positioned to respond strategically as conditions evolve.
To that end, effective immediately, there will be a suspension of all Faculty Special Salary Adjustments (SSAs) for merit, equity, and/or market that have not been approved by me as of May 23, 2025. Any SSA requests not approved by that date will be returned to departments without action. Exceptions to this suspension will be made only in cases of retention.
Additionally, there are no current plans to authorize APT Special Compensation Performance Awards at this time.
This suspension will remain in place until further notice as we continue to monitor the financial outlook closely and adjust our approach as conditions warrant.
These actions follow the other financial contingency plans announced April 11–hiring restrictions, limiting travel and additional review of professional services contracts. Please know that these decisions are not being made lightly but are crucial to positioning the university for stability as we enter uncharted territory.
I recognize that this decision may be disappointing and appreciate your understanding and partnership as we navigate these challenges together.
Mahalo for all that you do.
Warmly,
Wendy Hensel
President, University of Hawaiʻi
