April 27 Message from the President  

Dear Setonians,

I know all of us are experiencing a deep sense of loss for what life is usually like at Seton Hall and in our families as spring arrives. And I know you are very anxious about your personal and professional futures. I wish so much that we had all the answers right now, but we don't. However, I at least want you to know what we have done, and are doing, to navigate this pandemic and resulting economic crisis.

As the coronavirus came to our nation's shores, we moved to cancel study abroad, including destinations throughout Europe that were not yet listed as "high risk" locations. We deployed measures to protect students and employees by reducing density, implementing physical distancing, transitioning instruction to remote settings, and safely and efficiently moving the overwhelming majority of our students out of residence halls in advance of government directives, CDC guidance or executive orders. We did so because it was the right thing to do, even though taking such actions would create financial burdens for the University.

Looking ahead, we have a team in place finalizing plans for our collective return to campus in the fall. Additional teams are developing alternative contingency plans to ensure we are prepared should the science or government guidance delay a return or require modified approaches. Of course, we look forward to welcoming our students and the entire community back to campus as soon and as safely as possible.

Regarding our immediate path forward, it is vital that we address the pandemic's myriad financial ramifications with as much resolve as we faced its threats to our community's physical health. As we examine current and future budgets, the University is understandably facing lost revenue and additional costs this academic year. Most notably, these include:

• $9.2 million in pro-rated refunds to students for room, board and parking (details on refund disbursement will be released this week);
• University-funded grants for students to cover amounts not refunded or credited by study-abroad-related travel agencies, airlines and hotels;
• Decreased revenue from summer sessions;
• Lost "March Madness" revenue; and
• Increased costs due to coronavirus mitigation efforts.

We took several important steps to address the impact of these unplanned costs and lost revenue to ensure the University's continued fiscal health, including:

• Implementation of a University-wide hiring freeze;
• Suspension of major planned capital projects and expenditures;
• Review of all contracts with outside vendors; and
• Assessment of pay and benefits.

Since announcing those actions, we implemented additional expense reductions, including reducing operating budgets for the remainder of the fiscal year, aided by Executive Cabinet voluntary salary reductions. However, continued "Stay at Home" directives and further macroeconomic uncertainty dictate that we must take additional actions to address existing and potential financial challenges.

First, we are freezing salary and wages for all full- and part-time employees. Exceptions will include contractually obligated salary increases and increases for faculty members approved for promotions or tenure by the Board of Regents at its April 2020 meeting.

Secondly, and similar to numerous other colleges and universities, we are implementing a furlough program effective May 1. This very difficult decision is based on economic conditions and inequalities between employees whose positions can be fulfilled productively, and continue remotely, and employees whose positions cannot continue remotely, or are not needed at this time.

Later today, 150 employees will receive furlough notices from Human Resources with full details, including access to an online Employee Resource Center, where they will receive information about requesting support through state and federal sources, including enhanced benefits provided through pandemic relief legislation.

Recognizing the importance of the health and well-being of all employees, furloughed workers will retain their medical, dental and vision insurance. Seton Hall will pay both the employer and employee portions of their premiums. In addition, tuition remission, tuition exchange and accrued leave balances will continue to be maintained while employees are temporarily furloughed.

We are hopeful that, through the combination of University-paid benefits, along with enhanced benefits through federal pandemic relief funds, the financial impact will be lessened for furloughed employees.

While we expect the furlough will be temporary, economic and public health conditions will ultimately determine when we can end the program. I understand the disruption this causes for our employees and their families, and ask for your patience as we navigate Seton Hall through the pandemic's wide-ranging effects. Taken as a whole, these measures will put Seton Hall in the best possible position for short- and long-term success.

The decisions we make and actions we take are guided not only by analysis and consultation, but also by our values and our faith. The ultimate goal is for Seton Hall to come out on the other side of these dark days shining a bright light on the possibilities for the future, perhaps even discovering new ways to provide a powerful education rooted in our mission and our Catholic intellectual tradition. I am deeply grateful to our Boards of Regents and Trustees, to our academic and administrative leadership, to our faculty and staff who are going the extra mile every day for students, and to our students themselves who must adjust to unforeseen circumstances.

Know that you and your families are in my prayers; I ask you to keep Seton Hall and all Setonians in yours.

Sincerely,

Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D.
President

Categories: Campus Life