April 28, 2009

To the Campus Community:

With the semester quickly coming to a close, I wanted to provide you with a brief update on the continued impact of the economy on our institution.

As many of you are aware, we have implemented several cost-saving measures in recent weeks in an effort to meet a projected shortfall of $2.5 to $3.5 million for the coming academic year.  These measures included the discontinuation of our men's soccer and men's swimming programs, choosing not to reapply for the grant to sponsor the Talent Search Program, the elimination of some management positions and the continued freeze on several position vacancies.  These decisions were difficult.  Each required careful deliberation.  In each case, we feel that we met the university's priority of protecting the core academic component of the campus.

There have also been additional budget measures taken at the state level.   Earlier this month, PASSHE announced that there will be no salary increases for non-union employees
for 2009-10.

Unfortunately, the realization is that we could be facing additional budget cuts in the coming months.  We will not know the full extent of any additional impact until July.  In the interim, the state system presidents continue to lobby the PASSHE Board of Governors concerning a broad range of fiscal items, and our own Budget Review Committee will be active with all related decisions through the governance process.

Best regards,
F. Javier Cevallos
President