Dear PSU Colleagues,
As you know, PSU is facing a structural financial deficit. The Board of Trustees has directed me to reduce and eliminate the use of our reserves to fund the university’s operations. As part of the Bridge to the Future 2.0 financial sustainability plan and in order to avoid a financial crisis that would jeopardize the ability of PSU to fulfil its mission, the entire campus has taken a comprehensive evaluation of all its operations to identify efficiencies and potential savings.
We are now entering the implementation phase of this effort. I have carefully reviewed all of the information and recommendations provided to me by university leaders. It has become clear that our financial condition is such that departmental reductions or eliminations may be unavoidable.
Today, I notified PSU-AAUP and its members and the Faculty Senate leadership of my intent to begin the Article 22 retrenchment process, as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. The Article 22 process allows faculty and staff to provide input, propose alternatives, and ensure transparent, collaborative decision-making about PSU's future.
After careful consideration and much deliberation, I have identified a list of departments for possible reduction or elimination:
Departments that may be eliminated:
- University Studies
- Conflict Resolution
- Portland Center
Departments that may be reduced:
- Educator Licensure
- Leadership, Learning, and Counseling
- History
- Philosophy
- School of Earth, Environment and Society
- World Languages & Literatures
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Politics & Global Affairs
- Public Administration
Departments that may be impacted by the possible elimination of University Studies:
- English
- Physics
- Sociology
- Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- School of Art + Art History + Design
- School of Public Health
It is important to know that no final decisions have been made at this time. In order to keep the campus informed, we have prepared a Google site where you can learn more and track the Article 22 process and submit input during open comment periods. For more explanation, visit the Resilient PSU page.
I acknowledge the seriousness of invoking Article 22 and its effects on all employees and all of us in the PSU community. This isn't just a procedural step — it is a significant moment in our lives and in the history of PSU.
While I do not expect this process to be easy, I deeply appreciate the collaborative work that has led to and will continue to inform this process. Change is difficult, losing treasured colleagues is painful, and not everyone will agree with my final decisions, but we must take action to ensure a thriving future for PSU.
Sincerely,
Ann Cudd
PSU President