To: Members of the UMaine Community

From: President Robert Kennedy

Subject: Spending Controls

As you have probably seen in news reports, the University of Maine System and the System universities are implementing a series of spending controls. On Monday, Chancellor Pattenaude announced (http://www.maine.edu/pdf/10-20-08.NEWSRELEASE.pdf) a set of initiatives related to the operation of System central services.

Each of the universities, including UMaine, is also developing measures that will help control expenditures during these difficult economic times. I am announcing today the cost control initiatives that UMaine will implement immediately, in an effort to mitigate the impact of current economic conditions on our students and on UMaine's ability to fulfill its unique, vital mission.

The UMaine cost control measures are online at http://www.umaine.edu/news/costcontainment.htm. As these guidelines derive from several days of intense discussion among the chancellor, the presidents and senior leaders at the institutions, they mirror quite closely those initiated on Monday by the chancellor for the System office. This coordinated response increases the likelihood that we will all be effective in managing the concerns we face immediately.

As I am sure you will agree, this is a difficult and troubling situation. We have all faced ongoing budget challenges in recent years as our fixed costs have outpaced revenue, particularly the state appropriation. Because of the hard work of every single UMaine faculty and staff member, UMaine has continued to maintain financial stability and even to grow at a moderate pace. In fact, UMaine realized its 11th consecutive enrollment increase this year and public perception of the university continues to improve. That is solely because we have maintained quality and value during tough times, thanks to the commitment of UMaine's people. I appreciate those efforts. We will continue to do all that we can to make the case that the best way for Maine to assure a brighter future is to invest in the University of Maine.

I recognize that these directives will make it more difficult to accomplish our goals, but we must work together and persevere for the good of our students and our state. The UMaine community always comes through when times are tough, and I am certain this will be no exception.

Bob Kennedy
President