Jan. 21, 2026
Dear URI Faculty and Staff,
The University of Rhode Island continues to experience remarkable momentum. To sustain and build on this progress, we must responsibly grow the teams that power our success and support our students. Our ability to do so, however, is limited by the state budget process that sets the maximum number of full-time and part-time positions state agencies may employ during any pay period.
While the URI Board of Trustees is the employer of record for the University, URI is still subject to the state’s full-time equivalent (FTE) cap, an annual authorization level that is determined and passed into law by the legislature.
URI has historically included a request to increase the FTE cap in its annual budget submission, but during the period of 2006 to 2026, the cap has increased less than 1%, despite enrollment increasing over 19% during that same period. URI requested an additional adjustment from the legislature in 2024 but, while an adjustment was provided, it was not sufficient to address the current positions in the hiring pipeline, including both replacement and new positions.
Given the important investments the state has made in URI, coupled with the strength in our enrollment numbers, the University continues to experience necessary growth in our faculty and staff that is projected to exceed the state-mandated FTE cap. As a result of URI’s advocacy, Governor McKee’s fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget request includes a proposal to exempt URI from the FTE cap. This remains a legislative proposal and does not take effect until the General Assembly passes it into law. Therefore, URI will continue to engage with state elected leaders to strongly advocate for the exemption. Until an increase or exemption is passed into law, we are subject to the current restriction.
As a result, URI will need to freeze hiring, likely through at least the end of June 2026.
During this freeze, URI hiring managers may not make any verbal or written offers of employment for faculty or staff positions without an approved exception.
Positions no subject to the hiring freeze:
- Tenure track faculty positions starting in Fall 2026 or later.
- Temporary positions on internal payroll (IP-1); however, all IP-1 hires must be approved by HR in advance. Temporary employment guidelines are available.
- Undergraduate and graduate student positions
For all other positions, including Fund 500 and 110 positions (funded by sponsored research), a critical hiring exception request must be sent to the vice president for human resources through this form and will be reviewed by the Executive Budget Committee. Because exceptions will be limited to the most critical positions, each request must include a concise rationale explaining why the position is critical and warrants exception consideration. All positions without approved exceptions will be closed and unposted.
Please contact your HR Business Partner with any questions. Thank you for your partnership as we take this necessary step to position URI for continued long-term success.
Respectfully,
Becky Hill
Vice President for Human Resources
Abby Benson
Vice President for Administration and Finance