VP's Coffee Hour 

Each month, Vice President Hawk holds a coffee hour with FAS Division employees as a way to encourage people to ask questions, share ideas, give feedback as well as enjoy their favorite Starbucks blend. Because many of the same questions are asked at each coffee hour, we have decided to post these questions and answers where everyone is able to review them.

If you have not attended a VP's Coffee Hour yet, keep your eye out for your coffee hour invitation!

To view previous Coffee Hour questions and responses, click here.

1. Now that the budget was signed, how does that affect our campus?

There is good news for us and some disappointing news for us.  The Governor’s May Revise held with restores the 10% cut in the original January budget.  So the 0809 budget is the same as 0708— while we face the escalating costs of energy, added compliance and CSU initiatives, etc.  There is no enrollment growth funding.  We did plan out budget around the May revise.  There is no hiring freeze- there never was.  However, we must review all positions very carefully and strategically and set our own priorities.  I have asked the AVPs to do this.  Another piece of good news is that we have closed the permanent budget gap which positions us well for 0910.  However, 0910 is expected to be another extremely difficult budget year.  What is a little scary too is that the Governor wants to the authority to make mid-year budget cuts.  This is on money which could have already been spent.  We will move forward with resources what we have.

2. How has the budget affected the hiring of new faculty?

Academic Affairs hired 8-10 new faculty members for 0809.  Provost Cutrer is meeting with her leadership team to put together a 5-year strategic plan which includes hiring of new faculty and the impact on curriculum.

3. With the budget leading to flat enrollment, what is being done to retain students?

There are many initiatives focusing on first-year students including the Foundations of Excellence and several UVA initiatives.  Our enrollment is up in first-year students and down in transfers.

4. How is the nursing school doing?

The first class will graduate this spring.  This is a hot profession- the demand is huge.  The program is a very expensive, highly regulated program to offer.  SMACC needs one million in tenant improvements to provide the necessary equipment and materials this program demands.  The program is so popular, it has branched out and we are now offering classes through Extended Learning and at the Temecula site.

5. With the budget issues, are new buildings/development on hold?

McMahon House- 100% donor funded event center opening in spring 09.

Parking Structure/Extension of Campus View Drive- both paid for by parking funds.  The parking structure will be located where lot N is now, will be 6 stories and have a pedestrian bridge connecting to the main campus.

SBSB- a state funded building which will house faculty office, labs and classrooms.  The site work is under way now and bids are new mid-October.  Construction will start January 09 and is expected to be a 2-year project.

Parking/Police Services Building- is a non state funded building which will be next to the Sprinter station where the current EOC building is.   Are in the design face right now and will be able to decrease the size while still meeting the operational needs.

Student Union- the feasibility study is complete and we are proceeding with Phase I.  The student union fee will increase accordingly so expect to see a lot of buzz on this one in The Pride, public forums, etc.  It will be located across from the Clarke Field house- next to Chavez circle.

Student Housing- right now there is a 500 person waiting list.  Our students and their families want on-campus housing.  Phase II will go next to the current housing buildings and will be about 700-800 beds.

Student Health and Counseling Services- this needs to be on campus and not all the way at SMACC where it is now.  A feasibility study is starting and will be located near the student union and housing.

ESCO Projects- are facility upgrades in energy conservations.  We will pay back the loan to make these improvements in energy savings.  This project supports green initiatives and Chancellor's Office initiatives.

6. How are we going to support all of these additional buildings? We already have buildings which require a certain number of people to maintain them and do not have the necessary coverage to do so.

State funded buildings like SBSB will get an allocation for maintenance of the building. It is the President's discretion where to allocate this money.

7. We take our lunch breaks in the Dome?  It is very, very crowded at lunchtime, even all the outside tables.  I am concerned in the winter time because there is no space.  Are there any plans to expand this space?

The student union will help with an alternative food location, however, that is a few years out.  Improvements are being reviewed by Dora, Gary, Roger and PDC. 

8. We are in hard economic times and many employees would benefit from alternative work schedules - continuing the 9/80 year round. Is this being considered?

9/80s are popular with FAS, but not will all other divisions.  Senior management hears of one bad example and it can ruin it for everyone.  That being said, some employees are already doing it and it is working really well.  I support it as long as the services are being covered and encourage you to work with your manager.  It requires discipline to be there when you say you are going to be there and also to be flexible if you are needed for a meeting, event, etc. 

9. Will there be merit increases for confidential employees?

There is no funding for either MPP or confidential employees this year.  Now that the budget is finalized, all the collective bargaining units’ agreements are re-opened and up for negotiations with the CSU.