Dear University Housing and Dining team,
Let me start by thanking each of you for your hard work and dedication as we responded to and continue to plan for the fall during this unprecedented time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I know there is much uncertainty and it may be causing you stress or anxiety. I appreciate the commitment each of you have made to serving University of Iowa students and to supporting your fellow staff.
As you know, over the last three months, the University of Iowa and University Housing and Dining have taken deliberate steps to protect our students, their parents, and staff during this global pandemic. In so doing, we created several financial challenges we must now address.
Given the continuing financial and operational impact of the pandemic within the University Housing and Dining system, we – in consultation with University Human Resources – have made the difficult decision to implement cost reduction measures to ensure our long-term financial health. As of June 12, UH&D is implementing a temporary layoff as referenced in Rule 3.104(4)(b)(1) of the State of Iowa’s Merit Rules. Those individuals with positions that are included in this temporary layoff measure were notified earlier today. These temporary layoffs will continue through July 19, 2020. Some staff that are part of the layoff are currently on a part-time work rotation and they will remain on that rotation through the layoff period.
We continue to look at additional cost saving measures for this coming fiscal year and will keep you updated as any other possible decisions are made. As has been previously announced, all P&S and merit vacancies will require additional levels of approval before hiring to determine if other options may be available. Some P&S vacancies will not be filled until further notice.
To address the questions this decision will undoubtedly prompt, I have scheduled a virtual town hall meeting for Friday, June 12, at 9:00 a.m. Attendance at this town hall meeting is voluntary.
You may join the meeting via your computer or phone.
To join by computer:
To join by phone:
- Dial (312) 626-6799
- Enter meeting ID 997 2943 4318
- Enter password 52242
I appreciate and acknowledge your contribution to our students, UH&D, and the campus community. This is a challenging time. We are all committed to making decisions that strengthen and secure our long-term viability as department and an institution.
Take care and stay healthy,
Von Stange, Ed.D. (he/him/his)
Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Senior Director, University Housing and Dining
Division of Student Life
The University of Iowa
4141 Burge Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-3000
