UHWO The Hoot Issue #56

Rightsizing And Repositioning UHWO For FY22 And Beyond

At the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents Budget and Finance committee meeting on October 1, 2020, President David Lassner reported on the significant fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that the university must act expeditiously to address the immediate budget crisis in the current fiscal year and also address at least the next four fiscal years. This is an extraordinary year – not only is the university and state in the midst of dealing with the health and safety consequences of the pandemic, but we are also facing the greatest financial crisis in this century.

The impact to UH West Oʻahu is estimated to be a projected reduction of about $3 million (16%) in state general funds in the

upcoming year. The plan is to reduce costs, prioritize signature academic programs, sharpen student services, grow enrollment (and tuition revenue), and increase its efficiency and effectiveness.

UH West O‘ahu was fortunate to receive $2.6 million in federal CARES funds, which are used in alignment with federal regulations, for IT upgrades to support the pivot to online courses and telework, emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations, PPE supplies, and other operational needs.

Throughout September and October, a number of campus conversations were held with students, faculty, staff, and various focus groups about reducing cost while

maximizing access and affordability to quality signature academic programs and learning opportunities. Using the results of these inclusive campus conversations, a systematic data-driven decision making process will be employed to refine our current short-term strategies (FY21) and identify mid-range strategies (FY22 and beyond) that are in alignment with our Strategic Plan. UH West Oʻahu has a new site dedicated to the planning process: https://westoahu.hawaii. edu/planning-process/. Please check it out continually, as it will be updated regularly.

The Hoot will stay involved throughout the process and keep you informed of when students can input their voice into the conversation.