September 19, 2008

TO:                         Faculty and Staff

FROM:                  Dennis L. Hefner

                                President 

SUBJECT:             Further Budget Information and Actions 

As you know, the campus has taken a number of permanent and one-time steps to address a $2.7 million reduction in this year's state funding.  Unfortunately, it now appears likely that these actions will be insufficient to accommodate next year's expected budget.  One week ago the state issued a Budget Call Letter that indicated the best SUNY can expect next year is a "flat" allocation.  This means we will receive the same dollars next year as we received this year.  Because we have collective bargaining and non-personnel inflationary expenses to cover, a flat budget will produce an additional shortfall of $1.5 million.

A tuition increase in the near future would help close the gap.  However, even with a tuition increase, it is highly unlikely the increase would be sufficient to cover a combined $4.2 million shortfall.   The dollar magnitude of the problem is just too large.  As a result, to ensure the campus continues to achieve its top two priorities (ensuring students have access to classes and avoiding layoffs), we will immediately undertake three further actions to prepare us for next year's budget: 

1.       Extend the Delay for All Staff Searches.  All current and future staff vacancies must generate an additional 90-days of accumulated dollar savings beyond the current 90-day requirement prior to being eligible for advertising.  Searches already underway will be delayed until the full 180-day period of savings is achieved.  Any exemption from this requirement will only be granted for health or safety reasons, or if the impact to the program will be catastrophic.  Requests for an exemption will begin at the department level, and will require the support of Chair/Director, Dean/Associate Vice President, and the appropriate Vice President prior to the President's Cabinet decision.

2.       Extended Vacancies for Some Staff Positions.  The Vice Presidents will identify some positions that will remain vacant indefinitely.  Decisions on each vacancy will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

3.       Revise Advertising for Faculty Searches.  Advertising for the few faculty searches that have been allowed to continue--many faculty searches have already received a one-year delay--will be revised to indicate that filling the position is contingent upon budget availability.  As long as we receive some tuition relief next year and the budget does not deteriorate beyond the $4.2 million amount, we should be able to complete these searches.

I regret the disruptions caused by these actions, but truly believe that by acting now, we will be able to achieve our top priorities, while handling our current budget difficulties in an orderly manner.  Again, thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding during these difficult times.