It is the position of HSSU-NEA that the faculty should be
actively consulted concerning the financial state of Harris-Stowe State University. It is also the position of the faculty that
the ideal of shared governance explicitly requires the direct involvement of
the faculty in mutually devising strategies to promote the long and short term
financial health of the institution.
While we appreciate the financial challenges that the university
is facing due to the reduction in state appropriations and declining
enrollments, we are troubled that the faculty was not consulted in such a major
decision as the recent closing of the South Campus. Moreover, we are distressed that input from
the faculty is still not being requested with respect to additional cost
cutting measures that the administration is apparently now considering.
As a result of the lack of transparency by the
administration concerning the university’s present financial condition and
plans to address it, the Leadership Team of HSSU-NEA has recommended that the
faculty senate request a meeting with President Walker to discuss possible solutions to
the fiscal crisis confronting the university.
HSSU-NEA remains committed to working with the
administration and the board of regents in strengthening Harris-Stowe State
University.
