University of Minnesota president implements "hiring pause" in light of economic uncertainty Contacts: Daniel Wolter, University News Service, (612) 624-5551 |
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 11/11/2008 ) -- University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks announced today a system-wide "hiring pause," a requirement that all open positions are reviewed and deemed essential before being filled. Uncertain economic times and the university's desire to control costs "sooner rather than later" necessitate the temporary action, Bruininks said. "We have no idea what tomorrow holds economically, but there are still storm clouds on the horizon," said Bruininks. "Our responsibility as stewards of tax, tuition and donor dollars make this a prudent step for the university." Rather than a blunt hiring freeze, the university's hiring pause amounts to a "stop and think" rule for new hires. Each vacancy will prompt managers to explore options for reorganization or reassigning the duties. If the position is deemed to be essential, university approval is required before filling it. "This is all about preserving flexibility in how the university responds to this economic climate," said Bruininks. "By taking this modest step now, we're hoping to avoid more difficult ones in the future. This will not impact the quality of education we offer or compromise our academic mission one bit." The hiring pause is to be implemented immediately and does not affect part-time student workers. ---------- | 
