July 7, 2020: Budget

Dear Faculty,

As you saw last week, the Governor signed the Fiscal Year 2021 budget. Georgia Southern University is now developing budgets for each of its units, including Academic Affairs. While the budget reduction of 10.8% is less than the 14% we were asked to model, we’re still facing a very lean year. Since the budget calls for no furloughs, we will need to keep the cuts to operations, equipment, and travel that we had included in our original 14% reduction plan.

This year will be challenging in regard to hiring. We will only be able to hire tenure track faculty in very critical areas where accreditation is a consideration. Where course coverage is needed, we will hire visiting or part-time faculty with an eye toward next year for hiring regular faculty.

For current faculty members, contract delivery may be delayed this year. We will deliver them electronically through the OneUSG Connect faculty contract delivery process. This means that Georgia Southern will be the frontline support for faculty contracts, not OneUSG or the University System of Georgia. You should expect to receive your contract by the end of July.

Even though this will be a challenging year, I am approaching it with optimism. We are a great university, made up of talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and students. I am excited about the positive impact you will make this year through your scholarship and teaching.

Although the virus and its economic impact may last beyond FY2021, Georgia Southern is on an upward trajectory. We should all be very proud of the work we’ve accomplished to put us in that position.

Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Carl L. Reiber

Provost & Vice President Academic Affairs

Last updated: 8/18/2021