Office of the President
Update on the Economy and Bethel University: Page 3
Publication date: Feb 6, 2009 midnight
What does this mean?
As I’ve listened to
employees in recent months, I’ve heard that your main concerns are
employment security, health care costs, retirement plan stability, and
work-family balance, and we’ll continue to keep these concerns at the
forefront of our planning. However, we must now begin taking necessary
steps to offset these many challenges. In consultation with the Board
of Trustees, we will begin implementing the following steps.
+ As authorized by the Board of Trustees, there will not be annual salary increases for employees for the 2009-10 year. The Board will revisit this item at its October 2009 meeting as part of its review of fall enrollment and other economic factors affecting the university.
+ Careful evaluation of any new positions or positions that become vacant: All new or replacement position requests will be evaluated carefully by the President’s Cabinet, with non-critical positions delayed until we have a better understanding of next year.
+ Thoughtful and prudent management of all resources: First and foremost, we ask that you partner with us in wise management and spending of our resources. I ask you to delay any non-critical travel, purchases, or expenditures. Over the next few months, I’m committed to engaging the organization in a thorough budget process to develop a plan for needs and spending restraints for next year.
+
Faculty and staff input regarding cost-savings initiatives: We value
your input and good suggestions. Likely you see opportunities for
efficiencies and savings that others may not, and we want to hear from
you. Online forms have been created for employees and students to submit cost-savings ideas.
+ Delayed capital projects: All non-critical capital projects, including much of the plan to retrofit spaces that are being vacated as part of the Brushaber Commons project, will be placed on hold and reevaluated in the fall. Immediate priorities include code compliance issues, accommodating the pressing need for classroom space, and nursing program expansion.
Questions and further information
I realize that you may have immediate and ongoing questions and concerns. While we may not know all of the answers today, I am committed to keeping you informed and answering your questions as best I can along the way.
I believe the estimates and action steps we are planning are prudent and necessary given the many uncertainties of our economic climate. However, I also feel confident about our future—we offer a compelling and distinct educational experience that is valued by our students and their families. Therefore we are recommending this more measured approach, while committing to work diligently—and praying continually—for a positive outcome for Bethel and for the students we aim to serve.
The Strategy Team is looking for ways to keep you up-to-date on our financial situation. Watch for further information via BLink and the Bethel E-Announcements.
I will be available to respond to questions regarding the economy at the following discussion times:
+ Feb. 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Seminary Communications Center (This meeting will be at the end of the scheduled seminary faculty meeting. Staff members are welcome to attend at 3:30 p.m. CST. BSSD and BSOE staff and faculty will be included via a video conference call.)
+ Feb. 19, 3-4 p.m., AC246
+ Feb. 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m., CC125
+ Feb. 26, 3-4 p.m., Red Fox 101 (For CAPS/GS staff and faculty and development staff)
Thank you for your commitment to Bethel. I’m so grateful for your service.
Jay Barnes
President