As state revenue shortfall worsens, Purdue plans comprehensive review of programs and processes
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A Purdue steering committee will lay groundwork for a plan to meet the university's strategic goals in the face of uncertain economic conditions.
"We have already made across-the-board cuts, cut positions, curtailed hiring and travel, and withheld pay increases," said Al Diaz, executive vice president for business and finance, treasurer. "These steps helped us in the short run, but they cannot be sustained on a recurring basis. Now, we need to consider more systemic, long-term actions."
Diaz, who spoke to administrators Friday (Nov. 20) during the President's Forum in the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom, summarized the current understanding of the state's economic circumstances, which, he said, require action now. He said all aspects of the university's operations would be considered, including academic programs, administrative operations and employee total compensation.
Diaz reported that similar strategic reviews of core activities are under way at two-thirds of the nation's public universities, according to the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.
"The Purdue community understands the economic circumstances facing our state and its citizens and appreciates the efforts of our elected officials to maintain funding to higher education," Diaz said. "But if we are to maintain the success we have had recently in achieving the goals of our strategic plan, we will need to identify ways to reduce costs or programs.
"Assuming a constant state appropriation level and no increase in general education fees, Purdue will have a shortfall of $70 million through the next biennium to sustain its ongoing programs and strategic initiatives associated with student access and success. So we will need to redouble our efforts to look for sustainable efficiencies and carefully evaluate our programs and processes."
The steering committee will be composed of members from all groups within the university, including graduate and undergraduate students as well as faculty and staff.
"Our goal is to be as transparent and inclusive as possible as we meet this challenge," said Diaz, who will chair the group along with Randy Woodson, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. "We will provide periodic updates to the campus community and also encourage input."
A Web site is being set up at https://www.purdue.edu/sustaining. The site will include reports and updates and offer a way for members of the university community to offer suggestions.
Diaz said a detailed plan will be developed by the end of the year, and any actions that would require Board of Trustees approval must be ready in time for its February meeting. Results of this activity will be factored into budget planning for the next biennium.
Writer: Jeanne Norberg, 765-494-2084, jnorberg@purdue.edu
Source: Al Diaz, 765-494-9705, aldiaz@purdue.edu
Related information:
Two-thirds of Public Universities Undertaking Strategic Review of Core Activities Following 2009 Budget Cuts, APLU Survey Reveals