Looking Ahead: Feedback encouraged as we move forward

Dear University community,

Many of you have reached out with feedback on our Institutional Realignment Plan (IRP). Thank you. Your comments are appreciated, and I hope you’ll keep them coming.

The plan is designed to stabilize, reshape and advance a viable, durable university for decades to come. The human side of this effort is always on my mind; the impact on the people who drive UWO is very real. We continue to shape the details of our plan humanely, transparently and effectively. If we don’t follow through, we face a widening deficit.

• This week, Human Resources shared furlough information. I would like to add my appreciation for the recommendations shared governance leaders made to help shape furlough tiers that do all we can to minimize financial impact. As you know, furloughs represent one element of the plan—a financial bridge to strengthen our viability through this academic year.
• Today, I’m also announcing a suspension of all recruitments, hirings and non-pay-plan salary adjustments except as necessary to facilitate instruction, which is in keeping with our commitment to shield classrooms and student experience from IRP impacts. This is a necessary and logical step to prevent escalation in workforce-related costs while we are planning and implementing a reduction in those same expenses. Please direct any questions you may have to your college’s dean or divisional leadership.
• We’ll provide layoff information as we continue to collaboratively develop processes with respect to policy and law. I don’t have new information to share today, but I hope to get more information to you in two weeks on the process. Meanwhile, the IRP website is a good place to find information and ask questions.
  Finally, today, one more reminder that Provost Martini and I will talk more about the IRP and our path ahead at Convocation on Aug. 31. Find more information and RSVP here for Convocation and the Sept. 5 Opening Day Honors and Awards program.

Thank you for your patience as we develop the IRP processes. I’ll send another update next week.

Chancellor Andy Leavitt