A reminder that KU will not use Regents’ Workforce Management Policy

Colleagues,

Earlier today, Emporia State University announced that it will be making use of the Kansas Board of Regents’ Workforce Management Policy, which enables universities to dismiss employees to address budget challenges caused by the pandemic.

I am writing you today to reiterate that the University of Kansas will not use this policy before it expires in December. You will recall I wrote you about this same topic last May. 

KU’s ability to manage the financial challenges of the pandemic without using the Regents policy is due to the great work so many of you have done during the past two years. That said, KU still faces financial challenges, and we must continue making difficult decisions to ensure we are positioned for the future. 

You will recall CFO Jeff DeWitt last year shared a five-year financial plan for Lawrence to achieve a sustainable, balanced budget that enables us to pursue key initiatives, support regular pay raises and reduce the risk of budget cuts. This plan entails four strategies that we’ll continue to talk about this year: strategic enrollment management; continuous improvement; conventions and events; and all-funds budgeting.

Thank you for all the work you’re doing on behalf of the university.

Respectfully,

Doug

Douglas A. Girod
Chancellor