Budget reduction impacts on Workforce

Updated March 20, 2026

The resources and information on this page are intended to support unit administrators and HR representatives in navigating recently announced budget cuts and potential reductions in force.  We understand this is an uncomfortable time that requires difficult decisions; however, our hope is that this guidance gives you the information and resources you need to navigate this challenging time.

Please note that units should not take any action until their budget reduction outline plans have been reviewed and approved.

Communications

2026

2025

Hiring Pause: March 23 - June 30, 2026

The hiring pause will occur dependent on if the position being posted is in a union with or without bumping rights. The hiring pause will begin Monday, March 23, 2026, and is anticipated to conclude at the end of June.

The hiring pause applies the time of posting and/or the time of offer. 

Positions in unions without bumping rights

This applies to 274, AP, APSA, EXPA, and POAM

  • Pause will only apply to units with position eliminations
  • Pause will conclude at the end of the budget reductions

Positions in unions with bumping rights

This applies to 324, 1585, CTU, and SSTU

  • MSU HR will review postings at time of hire in conjunction with the position eliminations across the university
  • The pause will conclude at the end of budget reductions. 

Support Staff Open Office Hours (virtual)

MSU Human Resources Layoff, Employee Relations, and Benefits Administration team members are hosting virtual open office hours to provide support and assistance to organizational unit members. 

Microsoft Teams meeting link: MSU HR Open Office Hours: Budget Reduction Impacts on Workforce

Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 237 795 608 615 36 | Passcode: 52pC3Ko2 

  • Tuesday, March 24 from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 
  • Thursday, March 26 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. 
  • Monday, March 30 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. 
  • Thursday, April 2 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. 

Support Staff Resources

  • Layoff Resources - This page includes resources regarding budget considerations, answers to frequently asked questions, benefit information, processes, and important details by union groups.

Faculty & Academic Staff Resources

Questions

Faculty and Academic Staff, Executive Managers - Contact your unit’s FASA director  

Support staff contracts - Contact The MSU Human Resources Office of Employee and Labor Relations at (517) 353-5510 or hr.er@hr.msu.edu.

Support staff layoff process - Contact the support staff team at SupportStaffLayoff@hr.msu.edu.