Like other universities and organizations trying to confront these tough and historic economic times, we are working to do what is best for our University community. Over the past several months, we have undertaken a number of very disciplined, very strategic approaches. These approaches have focused on managing the financial challenges we face.

Our work has focused on safeguarding the future of Ohio University and has been guided by a single purpose: to preserve and enhance the quality of our core academic mission of teaching, learning, research, and creative activity.

I am very grateful to faculty and staff across the University who continue to work thoughtfully to explore new ways of doing things that not only reduce costs but seek new revenue opportunities. I also deeply appreciate the work that the Executive Staff, Deans, Planning Unit managers, and other groups have invested in to finding solutions to our current financial situation.

Although we have begun to implement many strategies to streamline operations and increase efficiencies, we are still facing multimillion dollar deficits. As with many of our peers in the state, we too must meet the new economic realities head on.

To do this, we must take some very difficult steps and make some very hard choices.

I am very sorry to share that one of those steps will include measures to reduce the size of the University’s workforce. I know it is a hard thing to hear. It is very hard thing for me to say.

We have wrestled with this decision and had hoped it would not come to this. Please be assured that we have worked hard to identify and implement efficiencies and savings throughout the University to lessen the size of the reduction we are forced to make.

As one way to reduce layoffs, the University will establish an Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) Early Retirement Incentive Plan (ERIP) for eligible administrative and classified staff through August 31, 2009. It also will include an incentive to those individuals who enroll by a certain date.

We estimate that several hundred employees are eligible for the OPERS ERIP, but we will not know for several weeks the exact number of layoffs we may ultimately be forced to make. The results of the OPERS ERIP ultimately will influence the final number.

For those employees who will be laid off, we are working on a comprehensive package of benefits and services to support your transition and that of your families.

I have asked Senior Vice President Bill Decatur and his staff to share additional details about these plans. He will distribute information early next week.

As you realize, this is a very serious issue, and one I do not take lightly. However, in making these decisions, I remain confident that we will rise from this and emerge a stronger university community.

Thank you again for all that you do for Ohio University.