The University of Connecticut is seeking feedback for a new budget model proposal at 11 a.m. today in the Konover Auditorium of the Storrs campus, according to UConn Today.
UConn is calling its new model proposal ‘BLUE’ as an acronym standing for “budget linked to university excellence.” It comes after the university began a budget transformation initiative in July 2025 with goals like simplifying the process and increasing transparency, according to the initiative’s website.
The new budget model will be announced at two town hall meetings with the second one taking place at 3 p.m. in the Konover Auditorium. A virtual livestream option will also be available and posted to view later through UConn’s media streaming server Kaltura.
Students attending in-person will have the opportunity to ask questions or share feedback directly to the project team after the new budget model is presented, according to the livestream page.
Online participants will not get the chance to talk to the project team directly and instead were directed to email Danielle Sullivan, UConn’s associate director for the operating budget, at danielle.l.sullivan@uconn.edu with any questions about the new model.
Students and faculty who can’t attend the meeting and are looking to submit feedback have the option of an anonymous feedback form. The form allows suggestions, comments and questions and leaves contact information optional for anyone that wants to be contacted about their input.
The primary purpose of the model revision is to distribute university funds with a deeper focus on institutional priorities and transparency, according to the budget initiative’s website. These goals are currently being tried out in what the university calls the ‘BLUE’ budget model’s “shadow year.”
The shadow year means that some aspects of the new model will be tested out alongside the current budgeting process that UConn is looking to replace. The UConn Today article said this will allow for side-by-side comparisons that will help refine the model before its full implementation.
The frequently asked questions section of the initiative’s website said the new model was not made with the intent of cutting jobs and mentioned its partnership with the consulting firm Kennedy & Company to address concerns around prioritizing revenue over educational value.
“Kennedy & Company has engaged 100+ stakeholders from across academic, auxiliary and administrative units to ensure the distinctive missions, accreditation requirements, delivery methods and research portfolio of each academic unit are considered,” the initiative’s FAQ said.
The website explained how the stakeholders were engaged as working groups consisting of faculty, staff and management to identify and support “mission-critical” activities.
“These groups are charged with identifying appropriate incentives, funding mechanisms and safeguards to ensure such programs are not only protected but appropriately valued in the budget model,” the FAQ said about programs that don’t generate much revenue.
The website added how the new model proposal is not projected to solve the budget deficit UConn’s facing but will likely incentivize revenue generation and expense reduction.
The FAQ explained that Kennedy & Company was hired during a structural budget deficit because UConn wanted to ensure the new model was released successfully. The current timeline on the website estimates it to be released on July 1, 2027.