Greetings, ESF Community,

Yesterday was the deadline to formally commit to the Voluntary Separation Program (VSP). Of the 40 ESF staff and faculty whose applications were accepted, 33 have finalized the paperwork. What comes next is a closer examination of how each move needs different attention. Supervisors will be asked to submit succession plans reflecting ESF's priorities and stability plan goals.

The VSP provides a path for voluntary reduction of staff and we have said all along that we hope to maximize that opportunity to limit other measures, such as holding positions vacant and limiting backfills going forward. Before last week's break, I moved at the Academic Governance Executive Committee meeting to recommend the stability planning committee. We also have committees, including students, to help Athletics and Forest Properties assess their budget plans to meet financial goals.

It is important that the VSP process upholds the anonymity related to important personnel decisions. Since some staff and faculty are leaving by the end of this calendar year, and others are leaving by the end of the academic year, we will be doing our best to update the campus in messages such as these, as well as on the fiscal stability plan website.

For those who still wish to submit questions, and for anyone who would like to share feedback, please email my office at president@esf.edu. Where appropriate, I will use the feedback and questions to update the FAQ section of the website in order to continue to ensure the broadest possible sharing of information.

I appreciate the continued support, work, and patience of the whole campus community as we move forward.

Please stay tuned for updates as they become available.

Thank you, 

Joanie Mahoney

President