SMU to cut $35mm through layoffs etc

[NavyCrimson]

One way to look at it. That's 35 mil they've wasted on bs overhead. Perhaps we all need to rethink our support before they waste anymore.

[LakeHighlandsPony]

I recommend cutting all hippie professors that hate athletics.

[StallionsModelT]

Higher ed has long been a safe harbor for superfluous administrative "bodies" that just sort of exist. SMU is certainly not alone in this regard.

[leopold]

Granted, I know that academics and athletics are funded differently and that one does not necessarily have to do with another, but nonetheless they need to be a little careful how they handle this and the hiring of Morris and any possible IPFs or additions to athletics. There are too many ways they can PO people with this type of news coming out at the same time.

[CoxMustangFan]

Just goes to show endowments matter. While I understand why some think endowment "smack talk" is tired, it's absoluately relevent to the big picture.

[Teddy_Mustang]

Staff on campus have been aware of this for a lot longer than this article has been published. And the $35M the university is trying to save on adminstrative costs is simply going to be spent on the academic side, that is the intent of this whole operation. And the money the university is trying to save is not only coming from salaries but other expense areas. Also this doesn't mean admins and secretaries will be sacked. It is more likely that they will get rid of management and director level positions.

[NavyCrimson]

In other words - too many chiefs & not enough indians? LOL!

[ponyboy]

I recommend cutting all hippie professors that hate athletics.

I fully support your idea.

[blackoutpony]

Firing the entire Park n' Pony staff would be a good start

[lwjr]

To bad they can't do away with the tenured teacher concept

[NavyCrimson]

HOMERUN LWJR!!!

it would revolutionize the education experience nationwide - for the better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NavyCrimson]

HOMERUN LWJR!!!

it would revolutionize the education experience nationwide - for the better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gostangs]

There will be a ton of support staff cut for sure. We have a crazy ratio of support per manager - that will change.

[NavyCrimson]

Just think. That's 35M that could hv gone to the endowment. Does RGT know how to handle money???

[CalallenStang]

Received this earlier:

December 6, 2014
Dear SMU alumni, parents and friends,

Because recent media stories have reported SMU's financial review for resource reallocation with a negative interpretation, we want to communicate directly with you on this matter.

Our review process aims to redirect resources to our academic mission. The majority of the reported $35 million saved will be reallocated to academic purposes. At a time when universities across the country are being questioned about the impact of administrative costs on affordability, SMU is taking the lead in examining operations, procedures and positions that can be streamlined. Elimination of some positions will be one result, and SMU is committed to working with any affected employees in a sensitive and caring way, consistent with our long-held SMU community values. A restructuring also could result in some new positions in high-priority areas, and staff can apply for these opportunities.

In addition, it is erroneous to associate SMU's review with the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Although SMU had one-time costs for University-related events during the opening, these activities brought more than 10,000 visitors, dignitaries and five U.S. presidents to SMU and Dallas – visibility that is priceless. The Bush Library is funded by the federal government, while the Bush Institute is funded by donations to the private Bush Foundation. SMU is benefiting greatly from these resources. As noted by Moody's in its latest rating analysis, expenditures to expand national prominence "will enhance the competitive draw of the University" going forward. Moody's also noted SMU's stable outlook with regard to enrollment, philanthropic support and positive operating performance. SMU's admission applications are indeed growing every year, as is the academic quality of our students.

As you know, the $1 billion Second Century campaign is funding new faculty positions, academic programs, scholarships and facilities. Campaign gifts, however, are restricted for specific purposes and do not cover annual operating expenses. Thus, we must look at our structure and operations to see where savings can occur – to be redirected to our academic mission.

SMU's financial stability also is reflected in its endowment growth of more than 17 percent in the last year, above the national average, for an endowment of over $1.5 billion as of November 30.

It is a sign of strength that SMU is undertaking a financial review. We want to remain responsible stewards of our resources and the investments that generous donors are making toward our progress. Our constituents – in Dallas and beyond – deserve no less.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

For more information: smu.edu/OE2C.

Sincerely,

R. Gerald Turner
President