A Special Message from the President

Nov. 17, 2008

I realize that no amount of forewarning will make this message any easier for the UTMB community to receive.

Tomorrow, we will begin giving notice to approximately 3,000 faculty and staff whose positions are part of the reduction in force authorized by the University of Texas System Board of Regents [http://www.utsystem.edu/News/2008/BOR-Statement-UTMB-11-12-08.html]. We expect to complete the process Monday, November 24.

As you know, the damage the campus sustained in the wake of Ike has caused us to suspend or reduce a number of clinical programs, significantly diminishing our ability to generate revenue. This painful but necessary next step will reduce the workforce to the number needed to support an initial hospital configuration of 200 beds and to protect and preserve our education and research missions. It will affect individuals in every area and at every level of the organization, including agency and contract personnel and those who work overtime.  

Senior leadership and managers have given considerable thought to the type of work needed to ensure UTMB’s success during this challenging recovery and transition period. They have identified the combination of skills needed to perform those critical tasks. And, when the number of positions exceeded the volume of available work, they based individual staffing decisions on criteria such as skill set, performance and service orientation.

Classified employees will receive 60 days’ notice with full salary and benefits, consistent with UTMB’s practice. Administrative and Professional employees will receive a minimum of 60 days’ notice with full salary and benefits. Non-tenured faculty will receive six months’ notice with full salary and benefits, and tenured and tenure-track faculty will receive notice with full salary and benefits through August 31, 2009, the end of the fiscal year.

Managers will make every effort to talk face-to-face with employees whose positions are affected. In the event this isn’t possible, managers will notify them via email, phone or letter.

We remain committed to doing everything we can to support those affected by this decision and will continue to provide access to the full range of job search resources – including job fairs; employment, financial and personal counseling; and classes on effective resume writing and interviewing – at our island and mainland help centers [http://www.utmb.edu/utmbemployeehelpcenter]. Classified and A&P employees will receive preference for open UTMB positions for up to one year from the date of their notice. UT System officials have asked that these employees receive priority consideration for positions at other UT institutions, and numerous area employers have expressed an active interest in interviewing and hiring UTMB employees. We also continue to explore options for employees who may be eligible for retirement.

The loss of so many dedicated professionals will be felt throughout the institution. I thank you all for serving UTMB so well for so many years, and for working tirelessly since Hurricane Ike to protect and preserve our core missions. I have faith that the spirit that has characterized UTMB for more than 100 years will help this great institution achieve the promise of a bright future.   

Dr. David L. Callender
UTMB President

Additional information in FAQ-format is available online at http://www.utmb.edu/president/postIKE/FAQS.asp