Dear colleagues,
The Re-imagining Clarkson Task Force continues to work toward recommendations that lead to financial sustainability for the University. This message contains an update on our work, and some FAQ below.
What has the Task Force been doing this week?
In the past week, the Task Force has continued to work together to explore savings within the University, and the potential downstream effects of our recommendations. We remain in close contact with each other and with stakeholders across the institution throughout. As with any large-scale group project, we continue to reassess and refine some of our initial thoughts and assumptions about efficiencies in all aspects of the University, and incorporate input from the school-level Task Forces as it is provided.
We particularly thank those who have engaged in dialogue with Task Force members about program-level efficiencies. For example, proposals for ways to find teaching efficiencies between software engineering and computer science may yield substantial cost savings while ensuring high-quality instruction for our students.
We also acknowledge that the “Re-Imagining Clarkson” Task Force is charged with examining all aspects of University operations to decrease the deficit in the university budget. We expect to release a final report to the President and Faculty Senate in December.
The President has made clear that:
(1) he will consider the final Task Force’s report.
(2) he retains ultimate authority to accept or reject portions of our recommendations.
(3) the contents of that report will be available to the University community around the time it is released to the Board.
Where possible, the Task Force has endeavored to engage various parties for discussion and iteration as recommendations are developed.
Aside from divulging individual-level salaries for staff and faculty and a few small items pertaining to academic operations, the Task Force has been given requested material in a timely way. We engage with the President, Provost, and VP of Finance on a regular basis and incorporate their feedback.
Certainly, there may ultimately be points of disagreement between the Task Force and others in the community, which is natural in a process like this.
What can I do to help?
We encourage faculty and staff to engage with the school-level Task Forces as they finalize their recommendations for cost-saving efficiencies within each School. We thank all who have sent suggestions and references to us via suggestions@clarkson.edu – we are nearing 250 total, and are any suggestions for savings even if we don’t reply to your message personally. Please do continue to send in your cost-saving suggestions as we near the final weeks of the semester.
We plan to send our next update in one week.
Best,
The Re-imagining Clarkson Task Force
Tom Langen (co-chair, A&S)
Alex Cohen (co-chair,A&S)
Allan Zebedee (Reh)
Amanda Pickering (Provost Office)
Amber Stephenson (Reh)
Brian Helenbrook (Coulter)
Goodarz Ahmadi (Coulter)
Laura Ettinger (A&S)
Laurel Kuxhaus (Coulter)
Christopher Towler (Lewis)
Stephanie Schuckers (Coulter)
FAQ: (new/updated questions are marked with an *)
Q: How can I reach the Task Force?
A: The best way is to use suggestions@clarkson.edu – we all have access to those messages.
Q: Will there be a way to send suggestions and comments anonymously?
A: Task Force members are happy to put forth suggestions on your behalf without revealing your identity.