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Updates on the Cost Containment Task Force, Shared Governance Council and more

Dear Colleagues:

Pinch yourself, it’s almost November! As we head toward winter, I hold on to the wisdom of Parker Palmer that all the “falling that’s going on out there is full of promise. Seeds are being planted, and leaves are being composted as Earth prepares for yet another uprising of green.”  

As I consider all the upheavals that higher education faces, including small colleges like ours, I trust something new is in the process of being born. Of course, nothing will sustain us through winter like paying attention to the remarkable and brilliant students who surround us. Thank you for your belief in them—and in us together.  

Today, I am writing to provide a couple of updates.

Cost Containment Task Force 
As you know, I have appointed a Cost Containment Task Force to help identify $7.5 million in reductions over three years to close the College’s annual operating deficit. Those serving in this vital discernment process include: 

  • Jennifer Berenson, Professor of Religion & Assistant Vice Presiden
  • Kirk Betts, Trustee
  • Rachel Collins, Brian H. Thornhill Professor & Faculty Moderator  
  • Malon Courts, Board Chair
  • John Farmer, Associate Director of Athletics
  • Victoria Finnigan, Senior Director, Budget & Risk Management
  • Terri Fox, Chief Information Officer
  • Peggy Fintel Horn, Trustee
  • Ryan King, Chief of Staff & Executive Director of Administration  
  • David Mowen, Vice President for Finance & Administration
  • Catherine Potter, Advisor to the President & General Council
  • Frank Shushok, Jr., President  
  • Dan Strelka, Trustee
  • Nicole Terrill, Acting Staff Moderator and Manager of the RC Visit Experience
  • Leslie Warden, Professor of Art History and Archaeology, Assistant Vice President
  • Kathy Wolfe, Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the College

After much hard work by all College divisions, the task force has identified $6 million toward the $7.5 million goal.  I encourage you to talk with task force members about what they are learning. Our goal is to find our way forward with transparency and collaboration.  

While all choices were difficult, thus far we believe we have been able to protect the quality of the student educational experience without draconian measures. Our steadfast goal has been to achieve any reductions in faculty and staff through planned retirements and organic attrition. As you know from reading higher education periodicals, this has not been the case in many corners.  

Identifying an additional $1.5 million is going to be more difficult, and as you know, market conditions are incredibly fluid. If there’s a point to emphasize, it is that our greatest hope lies in the continued innovation of our faculty and staff, specifically in the creation and delivery of educational experiences and modalities that meet the needs of the external environment. Please also note that RC-RV offers revenue-sharing opportunities for faculty and staff interested in designing and launching new programs for non-residential students, especially adult learners and those upskilling for the workforce. Lisa Stoneman and Ryan King plan to share more about the opportunities for faculty to get involved with RC-RV at the December faculty meeting.

Thank you for the ways you have already developed new and in-demand undergraduate and graduate degree programs, summer educational experiences, and certificates. These efforts are making a difference already.    

As a reminder, David Mowen, Vice President for Finance and Administration, will offer a more in-depth overview of the College’s finances on Thursday, November 13th, at noon in Colket’s Wortman Ballroom.  

Shared Governance Council 
One outcome of the Shared Governance Task Force (link) has been the creation of a permanent entity, the Shared Governance Council, which will meet once monthly during the academic year. Beginning in January, we have tentatively identified a meeting time on the third or fourth Monday from 3:30-5:00.

Nicolle Terrill in admissions has graciously agreed to serve as the acting staff moderator until an election can be held. A staff council steering committee is being developed, and Nicole reports robust interest.  

The Deans have selected Professor Karin Saoub as their representative, and the Board of Trustees has chosen David Robertson.  

As a reminder, the seats include the staff moderator, an at-large elected staff member, the faculty moderator, the Dean representative, the Trustee representative, the Student Government Association President, an at-large student elected student, the Dean of the College, the President, the Chief of Staff, and the Associate Vice President for Human Resources. 

A Big Thanks—Launching Champions 
Our second annual “Launching Champions” giving day for Athletics was an enormous success thanks to the leadership of our Advancement team, our coaches, and the terrific participation of our community. We raised $412,692, substantially more than the $284,000 we raised last fall, and besting this year’s goal of $350,000. It’s especially encouraging that 106 faculty and staff made a gift this year, up from 66 last year. Thank you!  

Onward with Courage 
Finally, I conclude where I began, acknowledging the unique moment in higher education history we’re traversing. My word of the year has been courage—and I’ve been reflecting often on what it means to seek it.  

Maya Angelou says “Courage is the most important virtue, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.”

With hope and gratitude,

Frank Shushok, Jr. 
President