The George Washington University Staff Council is committed to advocating for staff and ensuring that all voices are heard, especially during times of uncertainty. Following the email on February 21 regarding the implementation of a position review process, we have heard from many staff members who are deeply concerned about the implications of this decision. The Staff Council has been informed that the email was intended to communicate to staff that the administration is pausing some of its spending during these uncertain times to avoid layoffs in the future.
Below, we summarize the concerns we have received, the information we have gathered, and the actions we advocate for on behalf of GW staff.
Concerns Shared by Staff:
- Lack of Transparency and Timing of Communication: The email, sent late on a Friday, left many staff members anxious over the weekend, unsure of how they might be affected.
- Fear of Layoffs and Job Security: The vague language in the email raised alarms about potential job cuts, especially given the university’s past handling of layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the layoffs in the federal government that significantly affect many of our staff.
- Increased Workload and Understaffing: Many departments are already operating with limited personnel, and there is concern that positions will remain unfilled, placing additional strain on existing staff.
- Decision-Making Criteria: Staff seek clarity on how positions will be evaluated as ‘critical’ and what measures are being considered beyond targeting staff positions to address financial challenges.
- Financial Strategy and Alternatives: Staff have asked whether alternative measures, such as using university reserve funds, have been explored to address budgetary concerns.
What We Have Learned:
- Each Vice President and Dean has received a form, instructions, and communications regarding the new position review process to distribute to their staff. The process involves a review of new positions, backfills, position changes, reclassifications, and student hires. The process will also include unit/school leader approval and a review by the Chief Financial Officer, Provost, and Chief of Staff.
- While the email from the Provost indicates that the university is in a strong financial position, recent measures taken by the new administration, specifically a pause on research funding, and the concerns over the Dear Colleague Letter recently released from the Department of Education, have prompted the university to begin taking proactive steps to prevent layoffs.
- This process will immediately run through the end of the fiscal year, at which time a continuation or additional measures may follow.
What the Staff Council is Advocating For:
University-Wide Transparency: Clear, proactive communication from the administration about GW's financial challenges and the measures the university is taking to mitigate them. Specially we ask
- For clarity in the position review processes provided and what factors will be used to determine if the review will be approved or delayed.
- That communications and processes affecting all staff be distributed at the university level and are not dependent on trickle-down communication at the school and division levels.
In addition to the measures the university has already taken to keep the GW community informed, we also advocate for communication that includes direct engagement with staff. To that end,
- We invite the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff, and the Vice President and Chief People Officer to an upcoming council meeting to address the university's financial concerns further and discuss current and potential mitigating measures being taken.
- We suggest a town hall hosted by university leadership and the Staff Council to speak to staff regarding federal policies currently affecting GW and hear from staff directly regarding their concerns.
Discussion Making Guided by Care: While the Staff Council understands the uncertainty that higher education faces in light of changes in government policies and that the university may face unknown financial challenges, we ask that the university approach future budgetary and staff considerations with care and understanding that staff are already facing burnout due to years of being short staffed and with understanding that the student experience is directly tied to our ability to serve students well.
Involvement in Decision-Making: A seat at the table for Staff Council leadership in discussions about budget decisions and business processes that directly impact staff. The Staff Council is built to provide equal representation of non-executive staff from across the university and works diligently to understand the concerns, challenges, and motivations of GW staff. This allows us to be uniquely designed to add a voice and input to initiatives that directly affect morale and business processes to maximize effectiveness while avoiding unnecessary red tape.
Equitable Impact Across the University: A commitment to evaluating all areas of the university, including administrative salaries and discretionary spending, rather than disproportionately impacting staff positions.
Fair Workload Distribution: Working with Staff Council representatives, managers, and departments to create a plan to address increased workloads due to unfilled positions, including potential restructuring, removal of services provided, or additional compensation for added responsibilities.
Inclusive Decision Making: Active engagement with the Faculty Senate, Student Government Association, and Staff Council to ensure that all members of the GW community have input in major institutional decisions.
The Staff Council stands with all staff members, and we will continue to advocate for transparency, fairness, and a strong commitment to the well-being of GW employees. We urge the administration to work with us to foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to addressing the university’s financial and policy concerns. Staff have a deep emotional contract with the university, built on dedication and trust, and we ask that all decisions affecting their livelihood be made with great care and compassion.
Submitted on behalf of the GW Staff Council by the Staff Council Officers.