Richard Pusey and Dave Buchanan presented a tentative plan from the administration to deal with the $3.129 million negative budget impact for FY 2004.  They discussed operating budget reductions, annualization of the spring '03 tuition increase, reduced subsidies to outreach programs, strategic efficiencies in course offerings, restrictions on sabbaticals, an additional tuition increase above the FY '04 budget request, 2 furlough days and personnel retrenchments (though no specifics were attached).  While some figures were assigned to these strategies, both individuals stressed that this plan is still fluid, and subject to change pending discussions and decisions of the Board of Regents (regarding tuition increases) and other factors that may change SU's ability to respond in this manner.  While privatization is not included in this list (because it is viewed as a longer-term solution), it is being studied, as are the use of student employees, when replacing contingent positions.  It is difficult to attach a number to these savings at this juncture.  The administration plans to go public with this plan by March 5th.  Affected individuals will be notified by March 1st.  The University administration is working to provide affected employees with employment assistance and as much of a period of notice as is possible. 

 A discussion was opened between the FAC and members of the Executive Committee of the University Forum in order to better understand interpretations of the Forum by-laws and how FAC, as well as other committees of the Forum, are to interact with the executive committee and other governing bodies.  Members of the executive committee are concerned that FAC, and other committees of the Forum, are not following the Forum by-laws, and should  be notifying the executive committee of meetings, and providing agendas and minutes, as well as recommendations or other actions taken by committees.  The current discussion was borne out of the current budget crisis, which has helped to identify flaws in SU's governance process.  FAC concerns included a feeling of being micromanaged, the timelines that are often presented for response, the depth of information and understanding needed to make informed decisions, the availability and ability of groups to meet and respond when necessary, and the unrealistic expectation that all governance groups can be involved given these constraints.  It was agreed that FAC can provide meeting times, agendas, and minutes to the executive committee, and that we should continue to work together to identify ways that other governing bodies can be involved by the administration.  It was seen as important that all bodies work with the president and executive leadership to help define how to involve the different constituencies, given SU's representative form of governance.  It was further agreed that the Forum should sponsor regular meetings, and provide opportunities for committees of the Forum to be involved in the formation of agendas, so that opportunities to report are available.  The next meeting of the Forum is March 4th.  Brenda agreed to work toward setting an expectation that committees will report their work at the Forum meetings. and notifying chairs to help develop an agenda. 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

Respectfully
Jennifer Berkman, recorder <<<type here>>>

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