Dear Colleagues:
We are writing to let you know the progress that we have made in moving forward portions of the campus’ backfill projects.
As you will recall, just over 30 days ago, we let you know that due to the financial constraints the university is experiencing, we were putting the backfill projects on hold until we could analyze each of the projects and the commitments underlying them again. We stated that we would conduct this analysis in the context of the of following prioritization principles:
- First, we will be able to provide labs for faculty who currently have no research lab,
- Second, we will resolve facilities problems currently impinging on faculty members’ ability to complete their research,
- Finally, we will address situations where face-to-face, in-person student service is essential and can be improved through facilities modifications – such as the Bobcat Advising Center
We have completed this analysis and leadership has reviewed the prioritized list of individual projects. While the financial circumstance at the university is still critical, in the interest of supporting research, instruction and student service on campus, Chancellor Muñoz has approved eight small projects to proceed immediately. Division of Physical Operations, Planning and Development staff will be reaching out to stakeholders imminently to develop requirements to execute these projects. In addition, five student service-related projects will be reviewed again for consideration in April.
In the interest of continued financial transparency, we will continue to keep you apprised of the progress that we are making with moving these projects forward on a regular basis.
Best,
Kurt Schnier
Interim CFO
Mike McLeod
Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer
