Dear Colleagues:

Sadly today, we had to announce more position eliminations and layoffs. These are within all parts of the Office of University Advancement, including Development, Marketing, and Alumni Relations. A total of 86 positions were impacted, including the elimination of 36 vacant positions and 34 layoffs. An additional 16 positions were converted from full time to part time. A copy of the press announcement is included below.

The majority of funds for these positions comes from earnings from the UW endowment. The falling stock market has, of course, significantly cut these revenues. The Office of University Advancement has worked very aggressively to cut operating costs and reduce expenditures without cutting positions, but ultimately it was necessary to eliminate these positions in order to balance their budget. This is one of the very unfortunate outcomes of our troubled economy.

We are truly sorry to have to take these actions. The University will work with those losing their jobs to help as best we can with the transition.

Sincerely,

Mark Emmert
President