THIS WEEK'S MESSAGE FROM ACTING PRESIDENT GERALDINE JONES
Posted on June 21, 2012
From: Acting
President Geraldine M. Jones As you may be aware, a decision was made earlier
this year to abolish certain non-union management positions under the furlough
policy adopted by the Board of Governors for PASSHE, the Pennsylvania State
System of Higher Education. This decision was made, and the nine positions
designated for furlough were identified, before I became the University’s
acting president.
To: All students,
faculty, staff, alumni and University friends
Once I assumed that leadership role, concerns about certain furlough decisions
came to my attention. As I met with the University’s vice presidents to discuss
Cal U’s budget situation and the reorganization of our workforce, two things
became clear: (1) California University faces significant financial challenges,
and the decision to implement furloughs was a sound response; and (2) certain
positions that were set to be abolished relate directly to our current strategy
for addressing our financial challenges while educating and supporting our
students.
After consultation and deliberation with our vice presidents, I determined that
three positions are directly related to the University’s ability to retain
students and to manage financial risk. I then spoke with PASSHE legal counsel
and with the PASSHE Human Resources office, and I asked to rescind from the
furlough list the positions of Associate Provost for Student Retention,
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Coordinator of Workmen’s
Compensation.
Since the furlough plans had already been set in motion, this was indeed a
difficult decision. But I am convinced that these three positions are key
components in the delivery of our core mission — educating our students and
providing them with needed support during their time on campus (retention and
student services), as well as managing our resources (workmen’s compensation).
The University’s Council of Trustees was notified of this decision last week,
and the three employees involved also received official notification that their
positions will continue. I am sharing this information with you today in the
spirit of openness and transparency, and so that all members of our campus
community will understand the careful consideration that led to this decision.
As promised, I will continue to keep you informed as our University moves
forward.
Meet Acting President
Geraldine M. Jones
