HSSU-NEA RECOMMENDS MEETING BETWEEN FACULTY SENATE AND ADMINISTRATION TO ADDRESS FISCAL CRISIS

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.