University of Puerto Rico (UPR) President Zayira Jordán Conde has submitted to the Financial Oversight and Management Board a review of the Amended Fiscal Plan 2021, approved by the UPR’s governing board, which extends fiscal projections through fiscal year 2027 without accounting for additional increases in enrollment, student fees, or positions, or modifications to the university retirement system.
Jordán Conde asked the oversight board to recognize UPR as essential under Title V of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA), highlighting its pivotal role in infrastructure revitalization and Puerto Rico’s recovery, competitiveness and development.
The proposal aims to secure UPR’s financial future, aligning the new fiscal plan with the public university system’s operational, academic and economic realities.
The amendment reiterates the president’s stance that UPR’s fiscal sustainability depends on diversifying income sources rather than on new student fees or on creating uncertainty for employees and retirees.
The central administration includes $258 million in research proposals through June 2027 as a key alternative, highlighting UPR’s strength in securing funding and advancing academic and research initiatives.
“UPR needs fiscal stability, but not at the cost of access to education or the welfare of dedicated staff,” Jordán Conde said. “The Amended Fiscal Plan rejects hikes in enrollment, fees, or retirement changes. Instead, it focuses on real income alternatives -- research, grants, federal and public funds -- for sustainability.”
The review acknowledges the annual $500 million allocation from Law 53-2021 for 2023-2027, which UPR considers vital for financial stability and responsible planning.
The UPR system is a strategic infrastructure, vital beyond education for research, training, health, innovation, social mobility and economic growth, Jordán Conde said.
“The University of Puerto Rico cannot be analyzed only from an operational or budgetary perspective. The UPR is strategic infrastructure for Puerto Rico,” the official added. “Here, the human capital that sustains our essential sectors is trained, high-impact research is developed, and innovation is promoted that strengthens the competitiveness and recovery of our island. That reality must be part of any responsible fiscal evaluation.”
The amended plan does not add new fiscal measures or reforms for 2027. It updates projections based on execution, revenues, appropriations and external funding opportunities.
Source: The San Juan Daily Star
