May 28, 2020

Dear Members of Business and Finance,

In just a few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the world in which we live and impacted our University operations. Over the same period, you have made sacrifices, both personal and professional, and devoted countless hours to the University. I am very grateful for your dedication and so proud of the ways in which the 'Canes community has responded.

Last Friday, you heard from President Frenk about the additional financial mitigation efforts the University is implementing involving furloughs and layoffs. These measures are unfortunate but necessary for ensuring the viability of our mission while preparing us for the future. These decisions are especially painful because they impact members of our community and 'Canes family.

We are all being challenged and tried in ways we have never experienced, and this creates a great deal of angst and uncertainty. My commitment to you is to remain honest and compassionate. I am confident that the University will weather the COVID-19 pandemic, but I also recognize that for anyone impacted by a layoff or furlough, as well as for the colleagues of those affected, this is a very difficult period.

Human Resources continues to work around the clock to make sure employees have access to information related to filing for unemployment and the CARES Act supplement. We have also extended the continuation of medical benefits and instituted outplacement services to assist in this transition. I encourage you to keep focus on your own self-care, and to take advantage of the FSAP wellness webinars and HR's Talent and Organizational Development (TOD) webinars to help you get through these challenging times.

There are multiple committees readying the campus for a resumption of campus operations that will begin over the summer. I want to thank Jessica Brumley and the team from Facilities Operations and Planning who are already hard at work on signage and other preemptive measures, and are coordinating the work of many of these committees. We will continue to encourage flexibility and work from home arrangements for the time being, though campus may be ready as early as June 1 for some limited activities to resume. As we get a clearer picture of what the fall semester will entail, I will continue to communicate with you and be as transparent as possible.

Thank you for your continued support and resiliency as we navigate these once unimaginable times together.

Always my best,

Jackie

Jacqueline A. Travisano, Ed.D.
Executive Vice President for Business and Finance & Chief Operating Officer