Dear Virginia Western employees,
As you may have seen, Governor Northam ordered all state agencies such as Virginia Western to take immediate steps to freeze spending and plan for reduced budgets because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor is preparing for the potential of up to $1.8 billion in losses to state revenue, leading to a recession. As of this morning, there are more than 2,000 positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth with 46 total deaths attributed to the pandemic.
We are seeking more guidance from the Governor’s Office as well as the VCCS as to what this will mean for Virginia Western. Here is what we have been directed to do as an institution so far:
- Maximize carry-forward balances by eliminating discretionary spending for the remainder of the fiscal year; all non-essential spending should cease immediately.
- Prepare for a full assessment of current and planned initiatives and commitments in order to maximize budget savings for the next biennium.
- Freeze all hiring of classified and wage positions funded in whole or in part by general fund dollars. We are seeking additional guidance regarding faculty and non-general fund positions.
I understand the anxiety this message from the Governor’s Office can create as we work together as a state to stem the tide of this terrible pandemic. Please be assured that we are doing everything in our power to gather more information for you and take steps to ensure a strong future for Virginia Western.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert H. Sandel
President
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