Nov. 20, 2020
Dear Strategic Resources and Support Colleagues,
To say this has been a difficult year is an understatement. All of us have been affected by COVID-19 and its wake both personally and professionally. And there have been other struggles: racism, wildfires, the election. On top of that, orders from various institutions, including CU Boulder, have led to a feeling of perpetual disruption, whiplash and exhaustion.ÌýÌýÂ
As university staff, you play a unique and pivotal role in CU Boulder’s success. Most of us don’t teach the students or conduct and publish research, but there’s nothing that happens at CU Boulder without staff who enable the information technology services, maintain the facilities, manage the budget and perform the thousands of other jobs across campus. When decisions are made, you not only carry out the plans, you deal with the aftermath and you’re asked to do so with poise and composure no matter the circumstance.Â
I had a meeting earlier this week where the stress upon our staff was the primary topic of discussion. More than anything else, I heard that the lack of certainty—about whether the campus will be open, about whether jobs are safe, about whether our children will be able to attend their schools, about whether we’ll be able to visit our loved ones—is creating stress and anxiety. And this week’s announcements that Boulder County and surrounding counties are moving into Level Red on the state’s COVID-19 dial creates more uncertainty.
As much as I’d like to have all the answers, I don’t, and I feel like the grounds are constantly shifting beneath CU Boulder’s feet. Even so, there are commitments I will make to you.Â
First, we, the university administration and leadership, will communicate as openly and clearly as we can. There has been a dizzying amount of difficult decisions over the last seven months, and while we have done the best we could with the information we had at the time, we also have learned lessons. We will more effectively explain why a decision is made and the impacts of those decisions on you. When we don’t know the answer to a question, we’ll let you know, and we’ll update you when more information becomes available.
Second, we know it has been a difficult one-two punch of fewer resources and more work. We recognize this and we’re beyond grateful. Please know that we have made difficult budgetary decisions in the short term in effort to prevent more significant cuts in the long term. We’ll be transparent about the budget and make sure that staff concerns are heard when those decisions are made.
Third, we will dedicate our time and attention to making our staff experience better.ÌýÌý
For starters:
- Human Resources is helping us facilitate a new employee engagement team that will address the findings of the most recent campus engagement survey and take action on emerging issues among SRS employees and especially staff from underrepresented populations.Â
- From Dec. 7–11, Human Resources will be hosting Employee Learning Week. This is a forum for you to identify your career goals, develop new ways of coping with stress and reflect on your personal journey.Â
- Another important resource that is always available is our Faculty & Staff Assistance Program. FSAP is a free service dedicated to serving the emotional and psychological needs of staff.Â
- From Nov. 23, 2020 to Jan. 8, 2021, CU Boulder faculty, staff and students with a Buff OneCard can bring their immediate family/members of their household to participate in the campus surveillance monitoring program.ÌýÌý
Fourth, the chancellor has authorized each unit to provide up to four additional days of leave that staff can use at the end of the calendar year. Some employees may have to work during this time, and not all units will be able grant leave during this time, but I have encouraged the SRS units to provide as much leave as possible. I hope most of you can take time to relax and reflect before the new semester.
Finally, I have heard that some of you don’t feel comfortable speaking up to your supervisor about various issues. This is not acceptable, and I will be looking into it. Nobody should ever feel afraid. In fact, I invite discussion and feedback on what staff are experiencing and how we can better support each other as a community. It’s critical to how we improve our work environment. Please email me with any concerns or issues, and you can as well.Â
I joined this incredible team of Buffs less than a year ago. In that time I have learned a lot about community and caring for one another. This is what separates us from everyone else—CU Boulder is a place like no other, and it’s because of you.Â
Thank you again for everything you’re doing and will do. There will be challenges ahead, and I will do my best to address them with your best interests—and the best interests of CU—at heart. For now, please take a moment to recognize your incredible contributions, and please take time for your own well-being whenever you can.
Sincerely,
Pat