The proper way to help your constituents during the coming economic hardships
I received this letter from Father Stephen A. Privett, a Jesuit priest in charge of the University of San Francisco.
Amazing. Its so kind. Its so thoughtful. It asks its people to come in for help… It talks of community and why each part of the community is important to the whole.
I wish our government could come up with a letter like this, and every single company that takes a dollar of bailout money should send out letters like this…
Dear Alumni and Friends,
I write regarding the University of San Francisco’s response to the nation’s economic downturn. The University, like you and your family, is paying close attention to its finances, even as we hope for a quick recovery in the borrowing markets and employment outlook.
USF is approaching this challenge from a position of enrollment strength. In the last 10 years, applications to USF have doubled. They are up 36% in the last three years alone, resulting in a waiting list of several hundred qualified applicants to whom we could not extend an offer of admission. We are also experiencing an increase in applications for the spring semester, 2009. Alumni and friends have played important roles in this increase. I thank you for your referrals and ask that you continue to encourage potential students to visit our campus and apply for admission and financial aid.
Help for Our Students
Nevertheless, we are concerned for our students and their families. Some families will face job loss or experience a reduction in available funds from sources such as home equity loans. Accordingly, this week, I am sending a letter to all undergraduates and their parents, and to all graduate students, promising personalized attention if financial issues threaten their ability to continue at USF. They will be encouraged to email Susan Murphy, Financial Aid Officer at usfcares@usfca.edu.
Also, I am asking the Board of Trustees for the lowest tuition increase in more than thirty years, and for an increase in university-funded financial aid for the 2009-2010 academic year. Now, more than ever, USF is committed to doing everything possible to continue to enroll and graduate all deserving students regardless of backgrounds.
Tightening Our Belts
The University is redoubling its efforts to be fiscally responsible and plan prudently for the potential impact of the downturn on our campus. Each Dean and Vice President is identifying ways to reduce costs and operate more efficiently, emphasizing reductions that do not compromise the high quality of our Jesuit education or the services we provide to students. With cooperation from every corner of campus, we have cut $8.5 million from this year’s operating budget. Examples of these cuts include restricting travel expenses and replacing desktop computers every four years instead of every three. We have also implemented a hiring freeze on most positions.
Reducing expenses is only part of the solution. I have also asked the Deans and Vice Presidents to identify ways we can increase revenue. We have a number of promising opportunities to expand and create new programs, often in areas where a modest investment could add significantly to our bottom line.
Looking Ahead
We do not know where this economy will lead us, but I am confident that USF has the talent and processes in place that will allow us to act nimbly and responsibly. Our community has distinguished itself over 153 years in times like these and even worse. The great San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906 leveled our campus, but like the phoenix, we emerged from the ashes even stronger. Personal care for our students and prudent management will position the university for growth in the years ahead.
The USF Community
As an alumnus or friend of the University of San Francisco, you are in my thoughts, and I pray that you find the strength to overcome adversity in these uncertain times. I am sure that those who are struggling will find support among other members of the USF community, both on-campus and off.
If you have any comments or suggestions on how USF might address the challenges we face, I invite you to send them to me at: privett@usfca.edu. During this Thanksgiving season, may the serious economic challenges we face not blind us to the many blessings that we enjoy.
Sincerely,
Stephen A. Privett, S.J.
President
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