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President Bruce Shepard sent a message on Wednesday, May 4, to all Western Washington University faculty and staff regarding the 2011-13 budget. The full text of his message is below:

Colleagues,

Earlier, I a strategy we have labeled "rebasing" along with the goals that strategy attempts to achieve.

This approach is motivated, of course, by the fact that, under the very best of scenarios that could eventuate in Olympia, the net cut to our operating budget – current biennium and the one coming – would be over 13%. Were we to continue to do all we have been doing with cuts of that magnitude, then Western would no longer be the outstanding university that you have made it.

Many have been involved in identifying proposals for rebasing: the provost and vice presidents, the deans, other leaders of planning units, and governance leaders. Through a recent period of active listening, approximately 150 ideas came from you.

Major budget reductions are unsettling. All of us worry about our futures as well as the future for Western. Please do realize this:

• Most of what we currently do remains unaffected.
• Where changes are proposed, it is so that what we continue to do is done well – the level of excellence expected at, for, and by Western.
• All whose positions would be affected have been informed of that possibility.
• There are no other proposals for reductions under consideration by senior administration.

Prepared by the vice presidents, all the deans, the provost, and me, the report is available .

That report also identifies next steps and opportunities to stay engaged in the process. Please, as you consider the proposals, hold us accountable to this: are the proposals consistent with the criteria earlier established.

The University Planning and Resource Council (UPRC) will consider each of the proposals at its meetings, all of which will be audiocast, on May 4th, 11th, and 18th. Members of UPRC will be available to hear your comments on Friday, May 6th, and Friday, May 13th, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Old Main 340.

Thanks much for your patience, understanding, and help. Please do stay engaged.

My best,

Bruce