Dean's update

October 13 , 2008

Last weekend I had the opportunity to experience my first Cornucopia. Despite the rainy weather, I thought the event was very well attended. This annual event is a great opportunity for our College to highlight many of our programs and illustrate the impact our programs have on Connecticut citizens. My personal thanks to all those who worked so hard to make this event the success it is. 

As you may know, the academic deans have been notified to expect additional budget cuts for this both this year and next year based on current state budget estimates. This is unwelcome news for everyone but not unexpected given the state of the national economy. The College administration has been working with the business office to ensure that we were prepared in case another reduction occurs during the course of the year. As a precaution, we withdrew our outstanding job searches and held more resources centrally than perhaps had been the case in the past. Due to these actions, we are prepared to address a second budget reduction this year. Any additional cuts next year will be much more difficult, depending on the level of potential cuts. The campus administration will be working with the deans to reduce the impact of cuts to the fullest extent possible. We will look intensively at all aspects of our operation to ensure that we are operating as cost effectively as possible. This short-term setback should not deter us from looking forward and actively resetting our vision for the future. 

Gregory J. Weidemann

Dean and Director