Today, the faculty board of the University of Twente's Faculty of ITC (Geo-information Science and Earth Observation) presented its plans for a financially healthy future to staff and students. The faculty is facing declining revenues due to the government's cuts in development aid. Part of the plan is reorganising the faculty, about which the Faculty Board has formally informed the UT Executive Board and the Faculty Council.
Unavoidable
Last year September, it became clear that the cabinet was going to cut back severely on development cooperation. Now, the consequences for the ITC faculty are known. The government contribution for the next three years will be reduced by 14.5 per cent (€3.1 million less), after which a structural cut will apply from 2029 onwards. Despite efforts to mitigate the impact, a structural deficit of approximately €2.5 million per year remains, making some level of reorganisation unavoidable.
The plan builds on the course already set by the faculty board to put its finances in order. In doing so, the faculty is looking at increasing efficiency, applying more focus and increasing income from external funding.
Plans for the faculty's financially healthy future will be further developed in the coming months. This will be submitted to the Faculty Council for approval. The intention is to adopt a final reorganisation plan in October, after which employees will be informed. The faculty board estimates that around 20 jobs may be lost with the reorganisation.
Uncertainty
The faculty board understands that these changes bring uncertainty and concern, particularly for those who may be directly affected. While difficult decisions are necessary to ensure a sustainable future, the board is committed to handling the process with fairness, transparency, and care. Supporting employees and students during this transition remains a top priority, and every effort will be made to minimise disruption and provide guidance where needed.
The faculty board's message to ITC employees is published on the ITC intranet (login required). More information on the UT finance topic can be found on the service portal.
