The University of Louisville Board of Trustees approved UofL’s fiscal year 2026 budget and several measures that ensure compliance with state law regarding diversity, equity and inclusion during an eventful June 26 meeting.
Budget Approval
The $1.8 billion budget plan, which went into effect on July 1, prioritizes funding outlined in the university’s strategic plan, including student success, retention and well-being; faculty and staff compensation and retention; and the university’s research enterprise.
Uncertain federal support, the loss of some research funding and transformative changes in athletics presented challenges in this year’s budget, which include an increase in student tuition as well as a student fee to support student-athlete services and student experiences.
“These were difficult decisions for us, understanding that finances remain the main obstacle to students pursuing higher education,” said President Gerry Bradley. “That is why in FY26, additional general funds for student financial aid will total $14.1 million, and we will continue to support the Cardinal Commitment, Global Cardinal Scholarship and Border Benefit programs.”
Other budget highlights include:
- Current employee retirement contributions will continue (7.5 percent automatic, plus 2.5 percent match) as well as 75 percent employer coverage of health insurance and 100 percent tuition remission for eligible employees and dependents.
- Upgrades to research performance computing capacity and creation of a cybersecurity center through a state appropriation of $10 million.
- Investments from the over $300 million from the Kentucky General Assembly for asset preservation and new construction projects will continue to focus on updating classrooms and labs in high-use areas, making safety improvements to roofs, development of the Health Sciences Campus Simulation Center and Collaboration Hub and more.
Read the complete fiscal year 2026 budget on the Office of Finance and Administration website.
House Bill 4 implementation
Trustees approved measures to implement provisions of Kentucky House Bill 4, which relates to initiatives regarding diversity, equity and inclusion at public colleges and universities in the state. The bill was signed into law as Kentucky Revised Statutes 164.2895 and required implementation by July 1.
After House Bill 4 was introduced, a Board of Trustees Ad Hoc Committee along with four workgroups assessed compliance tasks in position analysis; policy analysis; admissions, financial aid and scholarships; and athletics.
“In a year when there are several other major university-wide changes under way, this effort has placed an extraordinary demand on our priorities,” said Bradley. “My appreciation for the many people who committed so much extra time to this difficult work cannot be overstated.”
See UofL’s Legislative Updates webpage for details on implementation measures, updates and FAQs.
In other news …
Graduate certificates in holistic sports coaching education, classroom reading (p-12), instructional computer technology and elementary mathematics specialist were approved.
Macy Waddle was introduced as the new Board of Trustees student constituency representative. Waddle was recently elected as UofL’s Student Government Association (SGA) president. She is majoring in political science, Spanish and political marketing. She previously served as the SGA academic vice president (2024-2025), student government assistant to the academic vice president (2023-2024) and McConnell Scholar’s Program outreach chair (2023-2024).
The next meeting of the University of Louisville Board of Trustees will take place Thursday, July 17, at 1 p.m., in the Jefferson Room, Grawemeyer Hall. Board meeting minutes, schedules and other information are available on UofL’s Board of Trustees website.
