On Monday night, I attended Gov. Sebelius’ State of the State address to hear her thoughts on the bleak budget outlook. The next morning we received a copy of the budget, and Ed Phillips, vice chancellor of administration, and his team have been thoroughly analyzing the potential impact on the Medical Center.

As we expected, the governor's budget calls for a 3 percent reduction in FY 2009 and an additional 4 percent reduction for FY 2010 (for a total of 7 percent ongoing). However, legislative leaders have indicated that they may be interested in enacting deeper cuts for FY 2009 in hopes of lessening the burden in FY 2010. As such, I have asked vice chancellors and deans to communicate with their respective chairs, associate deans, department heads, and others in their areas of responsibility to develop a plan for cuts outlined in the governor's budget. In addition, I will be asking for plans to accommodate a 5 percent cut this year and a 10 percent cut next year.

The budget situation cannot be sugarcoated and presents a very serious and challenging situation for the Medical Center. All of us will be affected, and everything must be on the table as we evaluate how to meet current fiscal demands and maintain the strengths and success of the Medical Center.

However, we must continue to leverage external funds, make the most of the state's investment, and increase philanthropic support in order to continue our great momentum in key priorities. And we must protect the education of our students and residents, at all costs.  

I remain committed to open lines of communication, and Dean Miller and I welcome your ideas to help our institution weather this economic storm.

Working together, we will endure this financial crisis and ultimately become a stronger university.

Kudos

Congratulations to Dykes Library, which received the Health Sciences Library Network of Kansas City award for Outstanding Academic Health Science Library for 2008. Find out more about the award.

Education

Two meetings are scheduled to discuss the current budget situation. The Faculty Assembly will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting for faculty members from noon - 1 p.m. on Jan. 21 in the School of Nursing Auditorium (G013). Another Town Hall Meeting has been planned for faculty, staff, and students from noon - 1 p.m. on Jan. 30 in Battenfeld Auditorium. Please feel free to bring your lunch, as well as any questions or comments you may have.

Congratulations to the students in the Schools of Allied Health, Nursing, and Medicine, who received $2.39 million in scholarships for the 2008-2009 academic year. Read more.

The Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award nominations should be turned in by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 to the Office of Academic Affairs, 5015 Wescoe.

National Nurse Anesthetists Week will be Jan. 25-31, and KUMC nurse anesthetists have a list of events planned.

The Kansas Board of Regents released its response to Gov. Sebelius' budget proposal on Tuesday. Read more.

The KUMC Alumni Associations are now accepting nominations for their annual alumni awards. The deadline is March 6. Nomination forms.

John Finley, associate vice chancellor for compliance, has accepted a position as the new senior vice president and chief compliance officer for Amerigroup Corporation in Virginia. Best of luck to John in his new position.

The latest copies of the Greater Kansas City Yellow Books are available until Jan. 30 on the University Loading Dock, which is located in G076 Delp.