Hiring freeze affects those seeking employment by WSU: Re-write

Due to worsening economic conditions, a hiring freeze enacted by President Elson S. Floyd in early April continues to affect students and individuals seeking employment by the University.

Matthew A. Skinner, associate budget director, said that 215 fewer people were hired during May and December 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007. This means that there were nearly 50 percent fewer positions filled. Forty-nine fewer faculty members were hired as compared to the previous year, said Skinner.

The state of Washington currently faces a $5 billion deficit for the two-year budget. Gov. Christine Gregoire says this could increase to $6 billion if the economy continues to deteriorate. Gregoire has asked the state’s colleges and universities to prepare for a 20 percent budget cut, or $600 million over the next two years.

Gregoire ordered all Washington state colleges and universities to implement a hiring freeze while simultaneously reducing travel and equipment expenses. Shawn Hoch, associate director of Culinary Operations, said, “It was just announced that $47 million is being cut from the university’s budget.”

President Floyd’s hiring freeze mirrored announcements made in early August by Gregoire. The governor announced a statewide hiring freeze in order to meet new budget demands.

“The hiring freeze was a good idea in order to slow spending and prepare us for the upcoming budget cut. It was a prudent step,” Joan S. King, executive director of Budgeting and Planning said.

The president wrote an e-mail to WSU chancellors and vice presidents in April explaining his decision to enact the freeze. It was Floyd’s goal to slow the pace of administrative and professional hiring at WSU in order to prepare for upcoming budget cuts. Floyd advised that the Budget Office should be consulted before posting vacant positions and awarding promotions or increases in salary.

As a result, WSU has limited its staff recruitment efforts to replace only those deemed essential to university operations.

King acknowledges that the university’s hiring has been reduced as a result of the freeze, but she said, “Student workers have been exempted from the freeze; we hired hundreds of students, for instance, for the re-opening of the CUB.”
Skinner added, “We don’t anticipate a slowdown in the number of student positions.”

“The university relies on student employees. Our operations would be seriously hindered without them,” said Hoch. Even though students are exempt from the freeze, they are working fewer hours as part of the budget restraints.

“I’m limited to only working 10 hours a week,” Madeline V. Verochio said. Verochio is a senior in political science and is currently employed as a clerical assistant with University Relations.

“I couldn’t work more, even if I was needed, and there have been times that I was, but I couldn’t because of the strict budget limitations,” Verochio said.

In order to better prepare for the upcoming budget cuts, Floyd and Provost and Executive Vice President Warwick M. Bayly have requested that all university deans, vice presidents and chancellors prepare a 12 percent and 18 percent budget reduction scenario. The budget cuts are aimed at reducing communication expenditures, increases in salaries and hiring new faculty and staff.

Joan S. King – Executive Director of Budget and Planning
(509) 335-9681

Matthew A. Skinner – Associate Director of Budget
(509) 335-1836

Shawn Hoch – Associate Director of Culinary Options
(509) 335-8488