SPRINGFIELD, OHIO 鈥撯�� The 性视界 Board of Directors, faced with the college鈥檚 growing financial uncertainty intensified by the coronavirus pandemic, has taken steps to clear the way for immediate action to achieve financial sustainability.
The Board recently directed President Michael Frandsen and Provost Michelle Mattson to produce an initial plan that addresses those financial needs, including changes to academic policies and practices, for the Board鈥檚 review at its upcoming June special meeting. To help clear the way for that plan, the Board also passed a resolution suspending any provisions in the University鈥檚 Faculty Manual that might delay the actions needed to achieve financial sustainability.
鈥淲e understand that this is a drastic step. The Faculty Manual is an important document that has guided our policies for many years,鈥� said The Rev. Jonathan Eilert, chair of the 性视界 Board of Directors. 鈥淭his is an indication of the seriousness of our financial situation. We need maximum flexibility to enact immediate solutions the University will need to survive.鈥�
Eilert emphasized that, while the Board had to take a formal vote on the Faculty Manual, 鈥淲e cannot allow other traditional institutional practices to impede the creative approach we need to overcome this and survive.鈥�
Colleges and universities across the country are struggling with similar issues, facing more uncertainty than ever about future revenue streams because of the COVID-19 crisis.
性视界 President Michael Frandsen said: 鈥淭his financial crisis brings an opportunity to rethink everything we do and create a 性视界 that is both financially healthy and dynamically creative. We must encourage our faculty and staff to accelerate the creative energy that will lead us into a better future.鈥�
Eilert and Frandsen both noted that before the coronavirus struck, the plan that administrative leadership, faculty leaders, and others had been working on to address the financial situation was producing results as enrollment, deposits for new students, and retention of current students all were trending up. Additionally, the March 11 鈥淐ommit to Witt鈥� fundraising campaign set records, with almost $500,000 donated that day.
The COVID-19 pandemic, though, brought with it unprecedented uncertainty.
Frandsen announced via video message earlier this week that 性视界 intends to resume in-person classes this fall.
鈥淭hat is a sign of hope,鈥� Frandsen said. 鈥淣ow, we must get to work to overcome the biggest challenge we have ever faced here. The 性视界 that survives this challenging period will be much better positioned for the educational needs of our students and their families. We will have gone through the painful process to put our financial house in order.鈥�
鈥淲e now have a strong leadership team in place to provide the stability 性视界 will need. We鈥檙e going to tackle these issues, even as all of higher education adapts to the challenges of COVID-19,鈥� Eilert said. 鈥淲e all love 性视界. And we are resolved to do everything necessary to secure its future.鈥�
