Jun. 5, 2020
President's Statement on Staffing for Summer
Dear CWU Community,
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our university’s budget is significant. Our current forecast is that the revenue shortfall for the coming fiscal year will be about $12 million. 
It is also clear that the reductions in non-staff spending already in place will not be sufficient to offset the revenue shortfall. I have no choice but to make corresponding adjustments to staffing to ensure the sustainability of our university.
As I have stated previously, the pandemic, economic stresses, and work requirements vary during our academic and fiscal year. Accordingly, I have directed my leadership team to consider adjustments on a quarterly basis, with the first period being this summer (July 1 through August 31). The following reductions will not apply to members of our faculty, who are on hiatus or teaching summer sections during the specified period.
The result will be a significant reduction in our non-faculty staffing for most of the summer. Only about 150 out of 1,200 employees will remain at 1.0 FTE. These include positions that are essential to safe operation of the university, or are funded by grants or contracts. Grant funded positions by virtue of federal funding and contractual agreements are not subject to reduction in FTE or pay.
The reductions during this period will be in two forms, as follows:
Furloughs: During July and August, 19-percent of university classified and exempt employees will be furloughed—a temporary layoff. While on furlough, employees are in standby status without pay, but eligible for unemployment compensation, including federal stimulus funding. Staff in this group will be able to collect unemployment benefits without needing to search for other work. Appointing authorities and other supervisors will be meeting with employees beginning next Monday to go over the details of furloughs.
Reduced FTE: During the same period, other employees will have a reduced FTE predicated on the summer workload of the unit. For example, a person now working 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE) might be assigned to work only 32 hours (0.80 FTE).
From July 1 – August 31, CWU’s residential campus will operate on a four-day work week, except for essential staff. There will be no non-essential work on Fridays, including meetings, email, and phone calls.
As I have previously stated, the university’s leadership team will be monitoring the situation throughout the summer and hope to be able reduce the impact on staff for the fall quarter.
I am deeply sorry for the hardships these reductions will create. We have faced serious challenges in the past and persevered, and we shall do so again.
#CWUTogether
Sincerely,
James L. Gaudino
President