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Systemwide hiring pause to be implemented

A message to University faculty and staff:

November 11, 2008

For the past several months, the University has been planning for potential changes in our overall revenue sources in light of global, national, and state economic conditions. I recently issued a statement to you underscoring the challenges we face but also emphasizing the deliberate and responsible approach we are taking to control cost and maximize existing resources to keep the University strong and not lose the gains we've made in recent years.

Consistent with these plans, I am announcing a systemwide hiring pause, a requirement that, before being filled, all open positions must be reviewed and deemed essential. That is, positions must cover work that is essential to University operations, including critical health and safety functions, or those functions that ensure that the University meets its academic and fiduciary responsibilities.

If a position is determined to be essential, University approval will be required before filling it. I have asked that, absent approval, the hire be delayed and have urged consideration of other strategies that will address performance of the work.

This action complements an announcement I made earlier to University leadership to implement a mandatory approval of hires replacing Retirement Incentive Options (RIO) participants. These two actions are important steps that allow us greater flexibility to utilize RIO and other normal attrition to better align our workforce and streamline our operations.

We will learn more about the state's revenue forecast in early December. Most sources are projecting a dramatic decline in state revenues. We anticipate additional clarity on the University's financial support from the state when the governor announces his recommendations on state spending in mid to late January 2009. Working together we can weather these uncertain economic times, preserve the strength and quality of this great university, and best deploy our resources to serve our students, advance research, and serve the state of Minnesota. Thank you for your commitment to the University of Minnesota and your support in the days and months to come.

Sincerely,

Robert H. Bruininks