Budget update: Dec. 11
December 11, 2019
— by Dan White, chancellor
Thanks to everyone who participated in last week’s tuition forum, and especially to
ASUAF for co-hosting it. If you missed it, . It’s a busy time of year, but it was great to get together and hear perspectives
and questions. Thank you also to those of you who joined us in the Wood Center for
the holiday gathering. Amid the end of semester rush, finding a few moments to come
together and connect can help us all recharge. In the spirit of coming together, we
also hosted two events last Friday: a research showcase for our Interior delegation,
and our CTC Celebration of Community and Industry Partners. Both events were a great
reminder of the connections across ºÚÁÏÉçappthat strengthen and support our work and
study.
In recent budget columns and , I’ve shared that we want to expand the use of shared services. While shared services
won’t solve all of our budget gap, it can provide depth and breadth of coverage in
areas where we have been getting thinner and thinner. Across the university, staff
reductions have meant that there’s no backup available when someone is out, or one
person is juggling the need to be an expert in a half dozen functions.
Several times I have solicited feedback on whether it is best to have shared services
based on function (e.g., travel) or based on a service center model. We have both
on campus that grew organically across campus. Thank you to everyone who shared their
thoughts on which type of approach would best meet the needs of UAF. Considering that
feedback, I am now inviting proposals to provide full service business centers (comprising
travel, purchasing, financial management, and PPA duties) for the Troth Yeddha’ campus,
such as one for Core Campus and one for West Ridge. A Request for Proposals with more
details on how to propose will be sent out through vice chancellors this week.
Looking ahead, the Board of Regents will be meeting on January 16 and 17 in Anchorage,
with a budget workshop on the afternoon of the 16th. . Once finalized, .
On a final note, it’s finals week. Take good care of yourselves and others, and take
advantage of stress reducing activities where and when you can.
Thank you for choosing UAF.