While the state hiring freeze announced Sept. 25 by Gov. Bill Ritter does not include higher education, President Stephen Jordan is asking that certain cost containment measures be taken at the College.

In an Oct. 8 e-mail, Jordan announced that he has requested that the College’s vice presidents review staffing needs to determine if existing vacancies need to be filled immediately, or if a realignment of existing staff duties or the use of temporary staff might suffice. He asked for a delay in filling vacant positions until after Dec. 31, 2008.

Stating that he wants to make certain that students aren’t negatively affected, Jordan has also asked the vice presidents to review their divisions to ensure that every measure has been taken to contain costs and limit unnecessary spending practices.

In order to assure his requests are applied consistently, Jordan listed the following guidelines:

Personnel
• As of October 8, 2008 all requests to fill vacant classified and administrative positions must be approved by the area vice president, who will determine whether the vacant position is critical, if the hiring can be slowed-down or if it can temporarily be placed on hold until future revenue estimates are determined.
• Advertisement and recruitment for fall 2009 faculty may continue.
• Grant- funded, temporary and student work-study and hourly positions are exempt from this request.
• Human Resources will continue to evaluate all rates of pay based on duties assigned.
• Any employment action such as increase in FTE or reallocation resulting in additional salary dollars must comply with the exception policy.
• Hiring authorities are encouraged to contact Executive Director of Human Resources Judy Zewe for alternative suggestions on staffing.

Equipment and Remodeling/Renovations
• Limit nonessential equipment purchases. Essential equipment includes academic equipment needs identified by accreditation and in program reviews.
• Remodeling and renovations: projects designed to create additional academic work space or other necessary remodels should continue. Examples of nonessential projects include re-carpeting, painting, conference room upgrades and other space enhancements.
• Nonessential projects already underway should be evaluated to determine if they should be placed on hold.

Travel and Professional Development
The College is committed to supporting professional development opportunities for all employees. Each vice president will evaluate professional development and travel requests for institutional or departmental relevance and cost considerations.