TO: All Employees
FR: Gillian Estes, Chair, Staff Council; Emily Acosta Lewis, Chair, Academic Senate
Dear Colleagues,
We understand that recent events have brought significant challenges to our campus community. The administrator position eliminations have profoundly affected all of us — not only as colleagues but as individuals who care deeply for one another. The loss of valued members of our campus family impacts us professionally, as we adjust to new realities, and personally, as we feel the absence of those who have been integral to our campus community. We have been assured that this round of administration reductions is complete.
As leaders, we want to assure you that we are here to support and advocate for you in our positions. We understand the uncertainty, grief, and concern that many of you are feeling, and we are committed to standing by you during this difficult time. We met with HR last Thursday to discuss the communications related to position eliminations, and want to reassure everyone that HR is handling this with as much humanity as possible. We will continue to recommend for more open and transparent communication regarding position eliminations and “functional reorganization” due to budget cuts.
We recognize the mixed emotions that may arise — sadness for departing colleagues, concern for the future, and perhaps, feelings of guilt. These emotions are valid, and we encourage you to reach out to one another and to the resources available for support. Through Empathia as an employee benefit, we are given six free counseling sessions, which we encourage you to utilize.
We also want to emphasize the importance of open dialogue. If you have concerns, questions, or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your voice matters, and we are here to listen and advocate for the needs of our campus community.
Thank you for your dedication and for the care you show to one another.