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Strategic Alignment of Resources (SAR)

Dear Faculty and Staff:

I write to update you on some important developments for Savannah State University that will undoubtedly impact every aspect of our operations.

As you may know, our enrollment has declined for two consecutive years, and a drop in enrollment means a decrease in tuition, fee and state-allocated revenue. This has resulted in a budget reduction for our current fiscal year, FY 2019 (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019). We also are preparing for reductions in state funding that will impact the next two budget cycles: FY 2020 (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020) and FY 2021 (July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021). While we have taken some interim measures to address the loss of revenue, such as eliminating vacant positions and placing restrictions on new hires, these are not sustainable options given the budgetary circumstances. We are working in conjunction with University System of Georgia (USG) staff and within Board of Regents policies to meet the difficult challenges of budget realignment.

To address how we strategically realign our resources to match our institutional priorities, the first of which is always student success, I have appointed a Strategic Alignment of Resources (SAR) Planning Committee, co-chaired by Ms. Elaine Campbell and Dr. Michael Laney. This group consists of faculty and staff across campus divisions who will make recommendations to the senior leadership team on how to realign our current and projected level of institutional resources to meet the needs of our students. The committee will focus on four strategic priorities, which mirror USG priorities:

This task of realignment coincides with our participation in the University System of Georgia’s Comprehensive Administrative Review (CAR), which is focused on improving administration by streamlining processes and finding ways to be more efficient with state resources. The campus task force, co-chaired by Dr. Mable Moore and Mr. Shed Dawson, will review the findings from the CAR surveys and interviews in which employees participated earlier this year to make recommendations to the senior leadership team and the USG.

Throughout the process, you will receive regular and transparent communication on the Savannah State University website, through e-mail and through campus forums. We encourage you to participate by attending a campus forum on Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m., at a location to be announced.

There are challenges, but together we can conquer them. Savannah State’s resilience is indicative of our 128-year legacy, which has been shaped by an impressive cadre of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends.

Sincerely,

Cheryl D. Dozier
President