PULLMAN The statewide hiring freeze ordered Aug. 4 by Gov. Christine Gregoire parallels actions by WSU President Elson S. Floyd in late April to institute a slowdown in administrative and professional hirings by the university. At that time, Floyd directed that WSU’s budget office should be consulted before filling uncommitted vacant positions or awarding promotions. He also imposed a moratorium on new academic programs, degrees, and courses pending completion of an ongoing academic affairs prioritization process by the university.
“Clearly, the governor’s announcement yesterday is consistent with efforts we are already undertaking to respond to changing economic conditions across the state and the nation in a fiscally responsible manner,” Floyd said today. “We are already making every effort to do our part and will continue to explore all available avenues to reduce costs without compromising academic standards.”
Floyd said WSU has limited its staff recruitment efforts since his April announcement to allow for only the replacement of employees deemed essential to university operations, a criteria similar to that cited by Gregoire in her order this week. A recent review of WSU’s staff hirings between May 1 and August 1 of this year shows nearly 50 percent fewer positions were filled during the period this year in comparison with the same period in 2007. While no restrictions are currently in place on faculty hiring, the university’s ongoing review of academic program priorities to refocus resources on high-demand degrees and key research strengths can be expected to achieve increased efficiencies in the use of financial resources, he said.
Earlier this summer, Floyd also instituted a policy encouraging staff to adopt four-day, 10-hour workweeks where possible in an effort to reduce gasoline consumption by commuting employees. Ongoing conservation by the university has achieved a nearly five percent reduction in total energy consumption by WSU over the past seven years.
“I have been in recent contact with Governor Gregoire’s office and fully support her efforts, which I believe are closely aligned with those of WSU,” he said.
