As she approaches the anniversary of her first year as the University of Minnesota president, Joan Gabel couldn't have predicted just how unique and challenging it would become. President Gabel got into it on REAL Talk with Roshini on Mother's Day with a positive outlook even though tactics are somewhat bleak.
Gabel says the budget she recently submitted to the U of MN Board of Regents is COVID-adjusted. It contains a hiring and raise freeze across campus, including ten percent pay cuts for her and her cabinet. The budget also includes a 1-year tuition freeze. The Regents expect to share their thoughts by June. For now, Gabel says they are proceeding as if on-campus classes would resume in the fall while knowing things could change rapidly. As a parent of two college-age students herself, she empathizes with parents everywhere and students everywhere.