The following message was shared with students on May 18, 2020.
Dear Ohio University Students,
The past several weeks have forced a transition in the way we teach, learn and live, while separating us from each other and the campuses we call home. It has also created a worldwide economic disruption of which Ohio University is not immune. Today we write to provide you with an update on our institution’s financial picture.
Three weeks ago, we shared information about the budget challenges we face as a University with our faculty and staff. These challenges are driven in part by shifts in enrollment over time but have been amplified by this global health crisis. We are responding with urgency even as we work diligently to protect and strengthen the student experience that brought you to OHIO.
In April, we reduced operational spending including freezing all non-essential hiring, canceling business travel, and reducing non-essential purchasing.
On May 1, we announced very difficult personnel decisions that impacted our hard-working University community.
Last Friday, we announced additional personnel changes that include both faculty and staff.
These are painful changes for our University community, and we will never take decisions like these lightly. We recognize that for some of you these decisions had a personal impact on faculty or staff who you call mentors and friends. Many of the personnel impacted by decisions this month are people we care deeply for personally and professionally. For that, we are truly sorry. While these changes are hard, they are also necessary as we work to adjust our expenses during this time in order to protect our University and position it for a changed future.
We know you may have questions about budget-related decisions and actions, and we encourage you to visit ohio.edu/budget and invite you to ask questions or information by emailing budgetquestions@ohio.edu .
Rest assured, your University remains deeply committed to you and your success. We know the public health crisis has impacted families financially, and we have already begun distributing relief dollars to students impacted by COVID-19. We are ready and willing to work with you to navigate your financial reality and ensure you stay on track toward earning your degree.
Even as we make hard decisions, we will continue to make every effort to protect the unique OHIO student experience that you have come to know and love.
Kind regards,
M. Duane Nellis
President
Jason Pina
Vice President for Student Affairs