Dec. 3, 2009

Dear Colleagues:

We are beginning a series of discussions with all of our departments regarding the FY11 budget. These discussions will guide how we permanently apply the FY10 mid-year reversion to our budgets. The mid-year reversion for LAS is more than $4.6 million and CALS is more than $3.2 million (or more than $3.6 million when the reduction to agricultural extension programs are included).

It is possible that an additional FY11 budget reduction might double these numbers. As a result, we should be planning for a 20 percent reduction in our state funds for FY11, compared to the budgets we started with for FY10.

As you know, the latest budget reductions are only the most recent in a decade that has seen more budget cuts than increases, all resulting from shrinking state tax dollars. The latest cuts are unprecedented and certainly the most extreme yet. Departments are straining from lack of staff support and inadequate resources to conduct the most basic operations. We can no longer conduct business as usual, because business as usual no longer applies under these conditions.

Consequently, our discussions now must focus on identifying major programs for significant reduction or elimination. We ask that you begin now to engage with colleagues within your departments to talk about which programs (or departments) can be significantly downsized or eliminated. Please note that such discussions are starting points only.

LAS and CALS will jointly hold three forums to discuss the budget situation and how we must move forward. We have decided to hold joint gatherings not only because we co-administer several departments, but also because so much of what takes place in one college is likely to have considerable impact in the other.

At these forums we will answer general questions about the projected level of cuts and our current sources of revenue. More importantly, we want to hear your ideas on how we ensure students are well-served and able to take the courses they need to succeed in the future. We want to hear from you on how we protect the research and extension programs that truly matter in serving Iowa, the nation and world, and that can achieve success with high levels of external funding.

The first public forum is scheduled for December 15 in the Great Hall, Memorial Union, from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. Two other forums will be scheduled immediately after the semester break in January, 2010.

This is an extremely difficult time. We must work together now to bring about changes that are necessary for successfully moving forward. Earlier this fall, Dean Whiteford and LAS leaders began a discussion on creating a “new LAS” and what it might look like. Similar kinds of discussions have been initiated in CALS by Dean Wintersteen. Your participation is needed as we look ahead to a “new LAS” and a “new CALS,” how they would be configured and how their priorities may evolve and be maintained with fewer state resources available.

Thank you.

Mike Whiteford and Wendy Wintersteen