AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University's Department of Residence will reorganize and restructure its operations to further cut expenses by $400,000.
The latest budget reduction is in addition to a $2.7 million cut announced in September, bringing the total FY 2006 budget cuts to $3.1 million. Earlier this fall, the Department of Residence announced it would close Wallace and Wilson residence halls and eliminate academic resource coordinator positions at the end of this academic year.
The Department of Residence is now in the process of reorganizing its Residence Life and custodial/maintenance units, resulting in the elimination of 38 full-time positions. Vice President for Student Affairs Tom Hill said he anticipates many of these positions will be absorbed elsewhere at Iowa State between now and June 30, 2005.
Affected employees were notified today (Dec. 14).
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Todd Holcomb, who also is interim director of the Department of Residence, said news of the budget adjustment - while essential - comes at an unfortunate time over the holidays.
"We wanted to give all concerned as much notice as possible," Holcomb said. "It's the just and courteous thing to do. We hope no further budget cuts will be necessary."
Department of Residence staff affected by the change are meeting with ISU Human Resource Services and AFSCME representatives to examine various employment options. Outplacement services will be offered to any employee who is laid off.
"I am confident that we will continue to meet our residents' needs through this restructuring process and with assistance from other units within the Division of Student Affairs," Hill said. "In the short-term, we will meet the needs of current students through the staff and services of the Academic Success Center and the Student Counseling Center. We are looking forward to the construction of the new Student Academic Success Center in the Richardson Court neighborhood to provide much-needed services in the future."