Dear Financial and Administrative Services (FAS) leaders,
I wanted to follow up on the April 2020 Campus Revised Planning Assumptions guidance to reduce non-salary expenditures and how we will implement this in FAS. The guidance states that “Non-Salary Expenditures for non-essential travel, off-site meetings and entertainment should be canceled. Other non-essential non-salary expenses on non-sponsored funds should be curtailed.”
During these uncertain times, it is critical that we be prudent stewards of UCSF resources while at the same time look for ways of recognizing our employees for the tremendous effort they give throughout the year. After careful consideration with input from the FAS Executive Team, I am implementing the below practices within FAS effective immediately:
- All UCSF-funded entertainment will be suspended, including appreciation, holiday and retirement events.
- UC business-related meals will still be allowed for meetings/events directly concerned with the welfare of the University in accordance to UC Policy BUS-79, however, please do this with the utmost caution in following physical distancing, masking and cleanliness protocols.
- FAS is still allowing employee non-cash awards in accordance to UC Policy G-41, also summarized in our FAS guidelines. In reviewing this policy, please take special note that:
- Awards for retirement must be awarded as part of a meaningful ceremony, and should not be determined based on an employee’s classification.
- Employee recognition awards should be occasional and provided within an established recognition program and based on objective criteria.
This decision is consistent with previous actions taken in times of severe budget circumstances, with the exception that in the 2009 downturn FAS still allowed retirement events for long term employees. This year is undoubtedly different given the need to adhere to Public Health orders and physical distancing guidance. I encourage you to be creative in finding ways to celebrate and acknowledge excellence, while keeping safe during these unprecedented times.
Thank you for understanding the unfortunate necessity of this action. Together we must all do our part to maintain financial discipline to help mitigate impacts on our mission and our people. As always, I welcome your questions and feedback.
Sincerely,
Paul Jenny
Senior Vice Chancellor
Finance and Administration
This message was sent to FAS Tiers 1-3 leaders, FAS Administrative Partners, and FAS Internal Communications Group.