On May 14, 2009, at 3:07 AM, guyfawkes91 wrote:
So which is better? To behave ethically and compassionately towards
people, even though it's not required, or to be un-ethical and
harsh dealings with people but rely on paid for pundits to replace
the lost goodwill?
The "goodwill crunch" will come slowly over the next 10 years.
Already MUM cannot find new staff to replace retiring staff, in 10
years time the situation will be so serious there will be too few
staff to keep the thing going and it will have to close.
That is Bevan's true legacy.
From a recent post by Ruth on TMFB:
Cash Deficit at MUM
Posted by Ruth at 5/06/2009 12:01:00 PM
From a recent M.U.M.mailing signed by Morris and Haglin:
"Dear Alumni and friends,
Along with colleges, universities, and businesses around the country,
we are facing a financial challenge as a result of the economic
recession.
We want to tell you what we are doing in response--and invite your
help as our partner in this urgent situation.
The challenge
The downturn in the job market has slowed the hiring of our Computer
Science co-op students. These students bring a major revenue stream
to the University--but the lion's share comes when they are hired by
a US company, enabling them to take out a bank loan and pay their
full tuition, room, and board fees. The slower pace of hiring means a
cash flow deficit of about $2 million this fiscal year.
What we are doing
We have mobilized intensive support for placing these students in jobs:
- They are receiving one-on-one coaching, assistance in polishing
resumes, and expanded training in job searching skills.
- We are paying $1000 to anyone who makes a contact that leads to the
hiring of a student.
- We are phoning the 800+ companies that have hired our students so far.
This new team approach has been effective--we had 15 new student
hires this past month compared to 5 in each of the previous several
months.
University-wide, we have also taken these important steps:
-- Salary reductions--We have implemented across-the board salary
reductions (10-15%) for faculty and staff.
--Other expense reduction--We have reduced the food service budget by
10% and are deferring spending wherever possible.
The reductions in salaries and food service spending should save
around $750,000 annually.
--Lines of credit--We have increased our lines of credit by $1
million and are seeking more.
--Energy conservation--We have launched a campus-wide program to
reduce energy usage, including presentations in every classroom. -
--Administrative streamlining--We have identified areas where we can
reduce cost and increase efficiency by consolidating functions.
--Revenue enhancement--We have launched a campaign to boost
contributions to the Golden Dome Support Fund, among other measures."
The remainder of the letter is a solicitation for funds. Even though
there currently are no dome fees all sidhas who are doing program in
the dome are now being asked to contribute a minimum of $30 a month.
I assume this includes those on the $700 Settle grant. Money is tight
for the folks on the grant programs and will be getting tighter.
Money is tight for faculty and staff and these cuts will really hurt.
