April 4, 2003April 4, 2003
Letter
from EVP Turner
Faculty, staff perspective important to
decision-making
Dear Colleagues:
This week, I had two opportunities to meet with campus and regional specialists and to gain the benefit of their perspective on program and operational issues. On Thursday, I met with regional and campus faculty who were in Columbia for the ag and natural resources program conference. I want to thank Associate Dean John Gardner and Assistant Dean Dave Baker for organizing the conference. The conference was an opportunity for regional and campus faculty to meet jointly to update the strategic program to meet the changing needs of Missouri, strengthen ability to deliver science and policy developments to Missourians, and enhance the technical knowledge needed to deliver high-priority programs.
I also met with University of Missouri Extension Association board members, where we discussed ways to improve communication on funding and other operational issues. We are especially fortunate that the UMEA leadership is focused on ways to improve communication and increase staff participation in identifying and dealing with important issues that impact each of us in the UO/E organization.
We are continuing to monitor legislative activity on the FY04 state budget in the Missouri Senate. It is too soon to know whether or not the Governor's recommendation for a flat budget for UM and UO/E will be adopted. As we plan for FY04, I am asking the UO/E resource advisory committee to provide me with recommendations on budget priorities for the coming year. I would like to open some vacant faculty positions but must wait until the state budget has been finalized to insure that we will have recurring dollars. I am also asking the resource advisory committee to recommend priorities that can be supported on a one-time basis.
The Board of Curators is considering a proposed salary increase pool of 2 percent for the coming year. The Board policy on compensation adjustments will be made after the state budget for FY04 has been finalized.
Meantime, we are awaiting Senate action on Senate Bill 450, which was the subject of a letter that went to all UM faculty and staff from Vice President Ken Hutchinson earlier this week. As I get more information on that item, I will let you know.
Clearly, open communication is essential, and the discussions that occurred this week will enable us to continue to work together as we move forward. In the meantime, please send your comments and questions directly to me or to our website. I look forward to hearing from you.
With all best regards,
Ron Turner
Executive Vice President and Director
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Eileen Yager,
yagere@umsystem.edu |
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