Monday, February 23, 2026

Dear Faculty Colleagues,

As President Keller shared in his message to the UNT community on Friday, our university will soon be taking steps to reduce its budget deficit across campus.

I understand this announcement raises important questions for faculty and academic staff, especially because many of the steps outlined will have direct impacts across your units. The Division of Academic Affairs accounts for about 80 percent of our available central budget, so together we will need to help significantly reduce and reallocate funds.

As part of these efforts, UNT is introducing a Voluntary Separation Program (VSP). This program is designed to help identify areas where our division can contribute to the reduction of UNT’s overall budget deficit while honoring the lasting contributions of faculty who have shaped our university and advanced our mission.

Eligible faculty members must have a minimum of 15 years of continuous service at UNT in a budgeted university position on or before August 31, 2026, and have one of the following types of appointment: tenured, administrator with a tenured appointment, or professional faculty with an appointment that extends beyond August 31, 2027.

Please know this program is grounded in respect and appreciation for our faculty, and we are committed to moving forward with transparency and care. Faculty who elect to end their tenure at UNT will be fully supported during their remaining time on campus. 

The enrollment request period begins February 23, 2026. All application materials must be submitted to the Office of the Provost by 5 p.m. April 10, 2026.

You may learn more about the program, including full eligibility requirements, important deadlines, and how to apply, on the Voluntary Separation Program webpage. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your department chair or contact my office directly.

With appreciation,

Michael A. McPherson, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs