To the Editor:
The story in the Brown Daily Herald concerning the work of the Organizational Review Committee ("Needing $30m more in cuts, U. to seek input," Sept. 11) provides a helpful and informative summary of the challenges that our committee will face in the coming year in identifying ways in which we can more effectively and efficiently support the academic mission of the University in a period of significant financial constraints.
As chair of the committee, I would, however, like to clarify a remark cited in the article concerning the impact of our work on members of the faculty. We have been explicit and consistent since the committee was formed in the midst of the financial crisis last fall that the University is committed to fulfilling its core missions of teaching, research and student support, and preserving the progress made and momentum established by the Plan for Academic Enrichment.
Similarly, we have aimed to be clear both within the committee and in discussing its work with faculty, students and staff that the committee's review does not include the basic structure and activities of academic programs and departments, or the work of faculty within those units. While the ORC will consider how we can best provide administrative support for research and teaching within academic departments, our aim is to develop options and solutions that will provide excellent support to the faculty in the most efficient manner possible.
Elizabeth Huidekoper
Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance
Chair, Organizational Review Committee
Sept. 11
