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TO: University Community
FROM: Roderick J. McDavis, President
RE: Hiring Freeze
DATE: September 23, 2008
Over the past two weeks, the news about the evolving economic situation at the state and federal level has intensified. These events underscore the importance of being prepared so we can continue to foster academic excellence and remain a strong institution, now and in the long run.
For that reason, the most responsible step we can take at this time is to institute a hiring freeze, effective immediately. This initiative will allow us to preserve funds so that we can strategically respond to potential future state budget cuts or other negative effects caused by external economic factors.
Because our educational mission is paramount, we will permit faculty searches to move forward if they are already in progress or have received prior approval from Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Krendl. In addition, other staff positions for which the university placed advertisements on or before September 19 may proceed. All other positions are subject to the freeze.
We realize that throughout the university there are critical positions affecting our ability to implement key Vision Ohio first-year initiatives, recruit and retain students, or provide a safe, healthy environment. Units may request exemptions for mission-critical positions in these areas. Planning unit heads will receive more information on the exemption application process by the end of this week.
The talent and dedication of our faculty and staff are essential to maintaining the unique, high-quality institution that Ohio University is. This is an important time for us to continue to work together. To that end, despite the uncertainties we face, we will continue to advance our human resources planning as outlined in the Five Year Vision Ohio Implementation Plan. You will hear more about these efforts in the coming weeks.
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