Start of 2009-10 Academic Year / Invitation to Faculty and Staff Budget Forums
There always is a buzz of excitement around the first week of classes. It is a wonderful feeling to welcome students to campus, and to be fully engaged along with faculty and staff in the main mission of the University after summer break.
I recognize that the 2009-10 academic year brings with it special circumstances and challenges: facing significant budget cuts, the University has been forced to take actions that have gravely affected everyone in the campus community, including our students, faculty and staff. As I mentioned in the recent President’s Convocation, we moved the site of the annual address to a different location to take advantage of natural tree shade as both a symbolic and a practical recognition of the new reality we find ourselves in of needing to preserve resources wherever we can while maintaining quality. This week also is the traditional time when I usually host the annual Welcome Back Picnic. Given the uncertainty of the budget and the need to carefully manage resources, after consulting with campus leadership and Associated Students, it was decided not have the picnic this year.
Nevertheless, despite the difficulties of the past few months as the reality of the budget situation came to light, and the many challenges that remain, I am excited that students have returned and that we can re-focus our energies on serving their needs and preparing them for academic and future success.
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Faculty and Staff Budget Forums
As we begin the new academic year and settle in to the new budget reality which has affected many people’s personal finances as well as their ability to be effective at their jobs and get their work done, I recognize there remain many questions and concerns. To this end, I will host a series of budget forums, which are listed below. Recognizing the unique roles and needs of members of the campus community, separate meetings have been organized for faculty and for staff.
Each of the meetings listed below is scheduled to take place in the Presentation Room of the Oviatt Library. I hope you can join me at one of these sessions. I will provide a brief presentation regarding the status of the budget, then open the floor to any questions or concerns you may have.
Faculty Budget Forums:
September 1 – 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
September 2 – 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Staff Budget Forums:
September 2 – 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
September 8 – 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.