Climate Survey Executive Summary, Presentations Tuesday, September 13

Dear UMD students, faculty, and staff,

A quick reminder to please join us Tuesday, September 13, to hear the results of the campus climate survey. I'd also like to share with you a copy of the climate survey executive summary .  Please mark your calendar for one of these sessions:

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Kirby Ballroom

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Kirby Ballroom

Each presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.  We will also discuss our next steps, which includes a series of Idea Sessions you are invited to participate in. Please mark your calendars:

1. September 28, 2016, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Ballroom (Staff and Faculty)
2. September 29, 2016, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Garden Room (Students)
3. October 3, 2016, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Ballroom (Staff and Faculty)

The primary goals of the climate survey project are to:

1. identify successful initiatives;
2. uncover any challenges facing members of our community; and
3. develop strategic initiatives to build on the successes and address the challenges that impact how community members experience living, learning, and working at UMD.

Thank you,

Lendley C. Black

Chancellor

Budget update and resources

Dear colleagues,

As we wrap up the first week of classes, it sure feels great to see the hallways full and feel the excitement of a new academic year. Thank you for welcoming our new students and helping all students transition back to campus.

We made good progress last semester in preparing our budget resolution plan, and we have continued to work on the budget resolution process over the past several weeks. In meetings this week with my Senior Leadership Council, the Council of Deans and Academic Administrators, and the Strategic Planning and Budget committee we provided updates and gathered feedback. We continue to move forward this week by identifying budget reduction numbers for the schools and colleges and are asking the Deans and their leadership teams to provide scenarios for how they will realize those savings.  

We need to provide time and safe space for these conversations to happen. We need to be strategic in looking at how all of these changes fit together. We need to be mindful of optimizing our programs, while ensuring a quality student learning experience. We need to be cognizant of working together to best position UMD for future success.  

I would like to provide you access to budget resources which will hopefully provide useful information. You may wish to review President Kaler’s 2017 fiscal year UMD budget allocation letter.  In this letter, you will see the allocations we received this fiscal year and the expectations from the U of M regarding our budget resolution. As well, VCFO Steve Keto has prepared a historical look at key UMD budget impacts since 2009.  

As we continue to progress through this process, there will be a variety of emotions and misinformation at times. I know there has been some discussion on social media about resources for our MTAG (Master of Tribal Administration and Governance) program.  I want to emphasize that UMD remains committed to the MTAG program.  The current staffing levels for MTAG will remain the same through the year as the College of Liberal Arts addresses necessary budget discussions. It is our expectation that as MTAG continues to grow, support for the program will continue to expand.

I will keep you posted as we move forward.  In the meantime, let me know if you have questions or would like additional information.

Sincerely,

Lendley Black

Chancellor

UMD Campus Climate Results Presentations

Dear UMD students, faculty, and staff,

In our continued commitment to be a welcoming and inclusive campus community, we have to assess ourselves, think critically about how to improve, and work together to see results.  Last fall our campus participated in a campus climate survey.  You are invited to hear the results of this campus climate study on Tuesday, September 13 at either 10:00 a.m. or 3;00 p.m.  Please save this important date on your calendar and attend one of these sessions.  

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Kirby Ballroom

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Kirby Ballroom

The primary goals of the project are to:

1. identify successful initiatives;
2. uncover any challenges facing members of our community; and
3. develop strategic initiatives to build on the successes and address the challenges that impact how community members experience living, learning, and working at UMD.

Dr. Sue Rankin of Rankin & Associates will be on campus to present the results.  In order to accommodate as many members of the UMD community as possible, Dr. Rankin will conduct two general campus presentations: at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm in the Kirby Ballroom.  Each presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.  We will also be laying out next steps, as well as opportunities for community members to engage and contribute toward this initiative.

Members of the Campus Climate Survey Working Group will also be in attendance.  We encourage all members of the community who are able to attend to join us for this important, on-going conversation.  If you have any questions, please contact Susana Pelayo-Woodward at swoodwar@d.umn.edu.  We look forward to you joining us!

Thank you,

Lendley C. Black

Chancellor

Our campus climate and the world around us

Dear Campus Community:

As we prepare for the fall semester, we must be aware of the impacts this summer's events have had on our university community members, particularly our students. The multiple killings and targeting of various groups in Minnesota, in many parts of our country, and internationally have enhanced an atmosphere of frustration, fear, and mistrust. These tragic events are jarring and disrupt our lives in different ways. They are particularly upsetting to our UMD community members who are part of the LGBTQI, African American, and Muslim communities being targeted. At our vigil after the Pulse killings in Orlando, I could see and feel the anger, fear, and outrage among our friends, colleagues, and community members. I felt it too, as my son could have been among those targeted.  

Our ongoing commitment to a positive and inclusive campus climate for all at UMD is already challenged by acts and attitudes that run against our core values. The violence this summer has the potential to worsen our campus climate unless we pull together and take steps to combat the destructive forces from those who intend to inflict harm. In spite of our challenges, we have a resilient campus community, and we have great potential to pull together. As they say, events like this can either destroy us, define us, or make us stronger. At the beginning of another academic year, let us work together and choose strength.  

As we continue to grow and enhance our campus climate, please mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 13 to hear the results of our campus climate survey from last fall. We will hold two presentations for students, faculty, and staff at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., each including a Q&A session. From there, I encourage you to participate in follow-up meetings and action planning to be announced.

I would also like to share with you some statements from UMD leaders and resources that can help us along this journey.

Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Fernando Delgado's message to his team.

Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Dean of Students Lisa Erwin's message to her team.

Office of Diversity and Inclusion message posted on social media.

Black Student Association message posted to social media.

Resources

• Utilize your campus change unit change team to engage in conversation.
• Be familiar with how to report incidents and encourage utilization of these systems and resources.
• Educate yourself. There are links to resources in Dr. Erwin's message.  As well, the Twin Cities Office for Equity and Diversity has a multi-page online resource guide with articles, books, videos, and websites.  
• Use your voice. Do what you can to address issues of racism, bias, hatred, as well as engage in conversation in your personal relationships.
• Find your community(ies). Connect with people you identify as your support group. When you can, be resource or supportive listener to our students.

Thank you for your dedication and continued commitment to UMD. I look forward to a great year and welcoming our new students to campus next week.

Sincerely,

Lendley Black

Chancellor

2016 Chancellor's Welcome for All Staff and Faculty - August 22

Dear Campus Community,

I hope that you have had an enjoyable summer and are looking forward to another productive academic year.  Please join me for this year's all faculty and staff welcome event on Monday, August 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the Marshall Performing Arts Center, followed by a reception in the lobby. I will provide a campus update, a recognition of a few of our many accomplishments, and a review of our challenges and opportunities.

We will be collecting nonperishable food for Champ's Cupboard, the UMD Food Shelf located in 245 Kirby Plaza. Items specifically needed are (all unused/unopened):

Fruit - Applesauce, fruit cocktail, pineapple, pears, peaches, mandarin oranges, dried fruit 

Dry Breakfast Cereal and Oatmeal Packets

Mac & Cheese and "Just add Water Meals" (Pasta-Roni, Rice-a-Roni, Bear Creek Soups, Idaho Mashed Potato Mix)

Ethnic Foods

Hamburger Helper (and Chicken Helper and Tuna Helper)

Dry Pasta, Rice and Pasta Sauce

Lighter meals/snacks: Granola bars, trail mix

Peanut Butter

Chunky Soups

Canned Vegetables

Ramen Noodles

Spaghettios, Chili, Stew

Laundry Detergent & Home Cleaning Products

Toiletries such as Toothpaste & Deodorant

Diapers

I am looking forward to seeing everyone back on campus. Thank you for everything you do each and every day.

Lendley C. Black

Chancellor

UMD Fiscal Year 2017 State Funding Allocations

Dear Campus Community:

On Friday, June 10, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved the university's budget for the 2017 fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2016.  UMD's allocation is detailed below.  As you can see, we received additional state resources this year, even though the University of Minnesota system did not receive any additional state funding for general operations.  In addition, our undergraduate tuition will see no increase this year.  Soon, I will send another budget communication, which will provide additional details about the status of our budget.  I will also give you updates during the summer on the progress of our budget reduction strategies.   Meanwhile, contact me or Steve Keto if you have questions or would like additional information.

Best wishes,

Lynn Black   

UMD FY16-17 O & M Allocation

UMD’s Fy16-17 O&M Allocation from State funds will be $41,765,343, which is an increase of $3,151,793and includes the following additions/reductions:

·        $500,000 for Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Initiatives

·        $198,000 for Repairs and Replacement

·        $328,172 for Police Initiatives

·        $1,201,013 for general Compensation increases (Merit and bargaining unit increases).

·        $650,000 for Recruitment & Retention Initiatives

·        $309,541  for MnDRIVE faculty line commitments

·        ($34,933) offset for the net cost of structural changes in the cost pool 

·        $3,151,793 Total

Estimated Fy17 budgeted tuition is set at $110,131,191, which includes a net decrease in budgeted tuition from Fy 15-16 to Fy16-17 of ($1,686,684). 

o   UGRD-resident tuition rates are held at 0%; 

o   UGRD non-resident and GRAD tuition rates increased by 2.5%.

University System Central Reserves allocation for Glensheen will be $350,000 recurring.

Message from Chancellor Black

Dear Campus Community,

It is with a heavy heart that I offer condolences to the families and friends of the Orlando mass shooting victims and members of the LGBTQI and Latino communities. I am deeply disturbed by the hatred and violence of this tragedy. UMD is and must continue to remain true to our core value of inclusiveness. In honor of the victims, UMD's pride flag is hanging at half-staff outside of Solon Campus Center.  

On behalf of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, we invite the UMD community to join us this evening, Monday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. on the UMD Kirby Terrace for a candlelight vigil.

I also invite members of our campus and community to show their support and join a resource drive for a local organization in this time of need. Together for Youth is a passionate and inclusive group that provides support, resources, and safety for LGBTQ youth in our community.  You can show your support by providing resources and financial support designated to Together for Youth . Similar efforts to support local communities are happening across our University of Minnesota system.

I'd like to share with you a message from Erin Olson who works with SIT and QASU:

UMD will be having a candlelight vigil Uniting in the wake of Orlando o n Kirby Terrace tonight. We don't claim to have all the answers or any answers, but this is a time to know that feeling scared does not have to mean feeling alone as well.

There will be a microphone set up for those who want to share positive commentary. There will also be a specific moment of silence at 8:00 for the victims of this tragedy. We want to let the families and friends of these victims know that we stand with them in solidarity and support them.

This event is open to anyone. We happily invite folks from the LGBTQ+ spectrum as well as folks who just want to be an Ally to the community. Also, folks who are already an Ally should feel just as welcome.

Candles will be provided, but in case of a large turnout please feel free to bring your own.

Erin Olson

I thank Erin for organizing this vigil at UMD, and also staff in Kirby Student Center and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for their assistance. I also encourage you to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQI community. We must unite to stop hatred and violence in any form.

In conclusion, I offer this quote from David Klion, writer, and editor from Al Jazeera America: "There will be attempts to pit two vulnerable communities, LGBT and Muslim, against one another. RESIST THEM".

Sincerely,

Lendley Black

Chancellor