Budget update: July 8, 2020
July 8, 2020
— by Dan White, chancellor
As our university changes through budget reductions and the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted
to take a minute to talk about celebrating each other, changes taking shape, and gratitude.
This is not so much of a budget column as it is a message about budget impacts and
the role we play.
The budget compact with the governor, a budget reduction of $70 million systemwide
over three years is significant, and its impacts are already wide-reaching. We are
doing fewer things now, and there more things we need to let go of. But letting go
is not easy, and many of us have had to pick up more responsibilities. That is a double
whammy to morale. Fewer friends and colleagues and more work. But when there are reductions,
we must stop doing some things, do some more efficiently, or partner internally within
UAF or with our colleagues at UAA and UAS to lighten the load. Wherever I can act
to reduce barriers to efficiency, let's talk.
The fact remains, though, that budget reductions have shifted the dynamic of our workforce.
Some faculty and staff have retired or made career changes, and some have left due
to departmental reductions.
Prior to the ever-changing landscape created by the pandemic, we would often celebrate
those who were leaving UAF for this next chapter of their lives in an office gathering.
But with remote work, that has created fewer celebrations and less acknowledgment
of our colleagues and the work they do. This can be a hard transition for many and
can be another hit to campus morale.
As I discussed in a Friday Focus some time ago, the transition is hard for the people
leaving and it is hard for the people staying. Recognition is important for both parties.
One of the elements of our strategic goal of respect, diversity, inclusion and caring
is that last element, caring. We care. We should care, and separation of people hurts,
whether it is career change, retirement, layoff or remote work. But don’t stop caring,
and more importantly, don’t stop recognizing that life change requires recognition.
Thank you for what you do. Everyone continues to amaze me in their adaptation and
their ability to pivot to the changes taking place. Remember to thank your colleagues,
your staff, your supervisor and your students! Without each of you, we couldn’t do
what we do here at UAF. I have a great deal of appreciation and gratitude for each
of you.
Thank you for choosing UAF!