Message From the President: Preserving Our Strength
04.20.20
Dear LMU Community:
We live in extraordinary times, and how we continue responding to swiftly changing circumstances will determine our future. As we protect the health and safety of one another, we must manage our resources with prudence to ensure we advance our mission and world-class education long after this moment has passed. We innovate daily to overcome unforeseen challenges, and we must make difficult decisions to position ourselves optimally.
The next steps we take require shared discipline and sacrifice. To preserve our institutional strength and agility, we must approach our fiscal affairs with care, prepare for unknown contingencies, and set priorities that directly support the educational ambitions of our students. Regrettably, for the coming year, we will not grant merit awards for faculty nor annual merit increases for staff. This decision allows the university to address the unfolding pandemic crisis and to provide more aid for our students and their families. I have also directed our leadership team to engage in collaborative recovery efforts that include scenario modeling and medium- to long-range planning efforts so we remain nimble and poised for what comes next. We are enacting these additional interim measures to offset known revenue shortfalls:
We live in extraordinary times, and how we continue responding to swiftly changing circumstances will determine our future. As we protect the health and safety of one another, we must manage our resources with prudence to ensure we advance our mission and world-class education long after this moment has passed. We innovate daily to overcome unforeseen challenges, and we must make difficult decisions to position ourselves optimally.
The next steps we take require shared discipline and sacrifice. To preserve our institutional strength and agility, we must approach our fiscal affairs with care, prepare for unknown contingencies, and set priorities that directly support the educational ambitions of our students. Regrettably, for the coming year, we will not grant merit awards for faculty nor annual merit increases for staff. This decision allows the university to address the unfolding pandemic crisis and to provide more aid for our students and their families. I have also directed our leadership team to engage in collaborative recovery efforts that include scenario modeling and medium- to long-range planning efforts so we remain nimble and poised for what comes next. We are enacting these additional interim measures to offset known revenue shortfalls:
- Pause in Hiring
We are suspending position recruitments, hiring, and staff promotions until further notice. Exceptions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by Human Resources, in consultation with me; please contact Vice President Rebecca Chandler at 310 338 2723 for further guidance. - Pause on Travel
Non-essential LMU travel remains suspended until further notice. - Pause on Discretionary Spending
Events, catering, meals, retreats, furniture, gifts, and other non-essential expenditures remain suspended until further notice. - Reduction in Strategic Initiatives
Our executive leadership team is identifying projects and activities that can be put on hold until further notice. For more information, please consult your area’s manager or President’s Cabinet member for guidance. - Pause on Capital Projects
We are postponing many capital projects, including space renovations and upgrades. We are reevaluating major projects on a case-by-case basis. Construction currently in progress may be modified to address circumstances associated with health requirements, labor, and supply chain changes.
I appreciate your support of these interim moves, and I honor your flexibility and grace as we navigate this crisis. Your heroic leadership, resilience, creativity, and love for LMU are essential as we confront upcoming uncertainties and impacts. I remain committed to communicating openly as consequential decisions arise in the coming weeks and months.
Our Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount mission has prepared us for this moment—this unique opportunity to serve one another, to discern what is most important, and create the world we want to live in. We remain a community that cares for one another and stands #LMUTogether. I am confident that we will emerge with new insights and be more impactful than ever.
With gratitude,
Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D.
President
Our Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount mission has prepared us for this moment—this unique opportunity to serve one another, to discern what is most important, and create the world we want to live in. We remain a community that cares for one another and stands #LMUTogether. I am confident that we will emerge with new insights and be more impactful than ever.
With gratitude,
Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D.
President