From Faculty Senate Listserv:

 Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2005 13:40:42 -0500
From: "William (Bill) Powell" <william.powell@usm.edu>
To: "facsen@usm.edu" <facsen@usm.edu>


Fellow Senators,

I attach and paste below a message sent out by Provost Grimes concerning the possible suspension of internal awards (such as summer research grants, sabbaticals, etc.) due to the impact of Katrina on University finances.

Myron and I will discuss this issue when we meet with Dr. Grimes on October 5, particularly in light of some rather substantial raises recently given to administrators, among others.  Bill
--
William W. (Bill) Powell, Ph.D.
President, USM Faculty Senate
The University of Southern Mississippi
...

September 26, 2005
 
  
Dear Colleagues:
 
Following up on our meeting this morning, it is very important that we make sure that our faculty and staff understand that information about the University’s financial situation continues to evolve. The amount and availability of state, federal funds and tuition dollars are all variables that we continue to study.

We are still working to calculate and realize the financial impact of Hurricane Katrina. The full fiscal ramifications related to facilities and programs will only be known over time.

Our hope and intent is to retain as many internal University grants, awards and programs as possible. Our plan is to continue forward, accepting applications, proposals and requests. However, given the current situation it is only fair that we provide advance notice that some internal University programs may be suspended. As our post-Katrina
financial position comes into focus, we’ll know better as the year progresses to what extent that programs, including summer instructional improvement and research grants and sabbatical or leaves of absence may be affected.

We are still accepting applications (see Provost Calendar for deadlines) and will continue with our existing evaluation process. We must, however, continue to manage with expectations that changes, reductions, or suspensions may occur.

As the financial picture clears, we will provide you with updates to assist in the application plans and decision-making related to special funding for the remainder of FY 2005-2006 and into FY 2007.

We appreciate your support and long-hours during this difficult time.
 
Very truly yours,
 
 
D. Jay Grimes, Ph.D.
Provost