President Dennis Assanis offered a cautiously optimistic outlook for the University of Delaware’s future at the General Faculty meeting on Dec. 2, while recognizing the ongoing economic headwinds affecting the University budget. He also stressed that navigating the challenges ahead will require the sustained collaboration and creativity of the entire UD community.

Assanis said his source of optimism stems from the many achievements of the University’s students, its programs that expand academic access, and the faculty’s excellence in research, scholarship and innovation. UD continues to grow and improve initiatives to lead students to graduation and lifelong success, such as faculty mentoring through research and other efforts.

“With over 18,000 undergraduate students at UD, it would be great to have 80% of them engage in research led by faculty to create a transformative impact on the students' college experience, future employment opportunities, and in our recruitment for students,” he said.

Assanis added that UD's colleges are averaging a first-to-second-year retention rate of 92%, which is two percentage points higher than in the previous cohort year.

“In spite of FAFSA challenges and the demographic cliff in the Northeast, our University continues to experience tremendous interest,” said Assanis. “In comparison to this time last year, which was a record year for applications received, our Enrollment Management reports show a 3% increase, and we are still receiving applications.”

He pointed out that FAFSA challenges at the national level are still prevalent, which may delay submission of applications during the current admissions cycle.

Assanis said the University is developing and expanding a variety of academic programs and degree pathways that make learning more accessible to students, broadening UD’s reach into new markets and encouraging alumni to return for more education to advance their careers. For example, UD is reimagining its successful associate degree program to offer students more opportunities to enter the workforce or continue their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. The dual-degree engineering program with Delaware State University will also benefit the state’s workforce.

“In five years, after studying STEM at both institutions, students will graduate with bachelor’s and master’s in engineering, a field that industry leaders are excited to diversify,” Assanis said.

Assanis encouraged faculty to share information about accelerated-degree programs and other pathways in their departments, which benefit students and increase enrollment.

UD’s national recognition is also growing. Assanis cited more than a dozen high-profile rankings over the past year, giving credit to the impressive accomplishments in each of the University’s colleges as a result of the hard work and dedication of faculty, staff and students.

Assanis noted that UD has the ninth-highest, four-year graduation rate — 73% — among public R1 institutions. “We are three percentage points away from being ranked number six,” said Assanis. “The top five on the list have a graduation rate that is above 80%; that is a number that we can certainly set as a North Star to guide our collective efforts.”

Assanis called Honors College students “ambassadors of excellence” because of their impressive accomplishments and high graduation rates. He said that he hopes that some of the techniques used in the Honors College can be implemented across the entire University for all students.

He also discussed the future of artificial intelligence at UD. The University is seeking funding to create the First State AI Institute at UD as a way to align multiple AI initiatives that have emerged recently.

Assanis concluded his presentation with an overview of the University’s operational and financial progress, including updates on dean searches, efforts to reduce UD’s deferred maintenance backlog and initiatives to increase budget transparency at the department level. Assanis said the University continues to explore alternative options for health insurance that would provide greater cost stability in the future. He also stated that efforts, in partnership with academic units, will continue with a goal to enhance operational efficiencies and better serve the needs of students, faculty and staff.

The University’s fiscal year 2025 budget is projected to have a shortfall of $20 million to $45 million, which is lower than what was anticipated in the spring when the budget was approved by the Board of Trustees. A large portion of the projected shortfall — about $24 million — is the result of an increase in state health insurance premiums this year.        

Assanis highlighted the success of multiple cost-mitigation efforts across the University.

“I want to thank in particular the academic departments for their partnership and trust, as well as the efforts of the institutional-support units,” he said. “There is good reason to believe that the final number will be closer to $20 million, if we all continue to work together.”