Tough Choices, Tough Decisions

Chancellor Reaves has had to make some tough decisions in light of state budget issues.

During the past several months, many of us have been developing a budget reduction plan driven by the deteriorating economy that has impacted the State of North Carolina.   As the state’s revenue projections have continued to decline, the N. C. General Assembly has made budget adjustments that are severely affecting many areas of State government.  The University of North Carolina has certainly been challenged by the anticipated changes in state funding. Although the effects may be different, we know that each campus within the UNC System is dealing with the issues created by the reduced funding we will receive.

While we have managed to create a plan that deals with the anticipated reductions in funding, we have also had to develop a budget that makes resources available for our priority initiatives.  It goes without saying that such a plan cannot be implemented without consequences.

First and foremost, the impact of our reduction in force has reverberated throughout the campus and the greater community.  Layoffs are always difficult for the employees who are affected, for their families and for their friends.  We are also sensitive to the impact these layoffs have in the surrounding community, a community that has been able to depend on Winston-Salem State as a source of uninterrupted support for generations.

In addition to the reductions in force, we also implemented changes in different areas of the University, including the Evening Weekend College, the School of Graduate Studies and Research, Enrollment Management and several other offices and programs.  While most employees affected by these decisions have maintained their jobs, they still have to deal with change – a change in job duties or a change in reporting relationships.  Again, we know that change also can be difficult.

Yet, we have had no choice but to deal with the situation of budget cut-backs and the need to remain focused on our main mission, which is to educate students.  With no additional funding to support the expansion of our efforts to improve student performance outcomes, we have chosen to reallocate resources to that effort.

I know, however, that budget reductions also can equate to a reduction in the level of service that we are able to offer our students, including the number of courses we are able to offer and the number of seats available in our classes.  Losing any course scheduling flexibility could mean that students may not be able to enroll in the courses needed for timely matriculation.  That, of course, can impact negatively our efforts to improve graduation rates.

The budget reduction plan has also highlighted another major concern that I have.  As an institution, we are not nor have we ever been adequately staffed to support the enrollment growth we have experienced over the past five to ten years.  Reducing the size of the workforce only contributes to the problem.

Then, there is the impact the reduction will have on our facility services.  I know there will be a slow-down in the progress that has occurred over the years in enhancing our campus climate.  While this may not seem like a major issue to some outside of the University, we know that it will affect our campus branding which, in turn, can affect our recruiting efforts for students, faculty and staff.

We have no choice, however, but to move forward and work within the budgetary constraints that we face. In doing, so we pledge to remain true to the core mission of our University.  We will determine a way to not only survive, but to thrive.

I know this is a difficult time, but I also know that working together we will continue to pursue whatever is in the best interest of our students.