From: President Frank H. Wu, Queens College

To: The President's Council, College Personnel and Budget Committee 

Re: Required Mid-Year College Budget Reductions

The Queens College administration acknowledges the personal and professional hardship that resulted when 24 substitute faculty were not appointed for Spring 2024 due to significant budget challenges. We recognize that every faculty member contributes important value to the college, which had to be balanced with the severity of the cuts we were required to make. 

Substitute faculty are temporary employees appointed to fill vacancies caused by leaves and/or emergencies. Such faculty generally teach full course loads and have other responsibilities. Each substitute appointment is made for a maximum of one semester, up to a limit of four semesters.

As the university moved into a new phase of expense reductions, the college was required to achieve additional savings and submit a revised savings plan in December, given an anticipated cash deficit at the end of the fiscal year. As personnel expenses comprise 96% of our operating budget, $4.3 million in reductions above and beyond the cuts already made in the Fall—left us no choice other than difficult decisions about temporary positions. Of the 24 substitute faculty who were not appointed, 10 will return to their underlying appointments as three-year adjuncts. 

With respect to course sections left without instructors, the chairs and deans are working collaboratively and diligently to prioritize the classroom instruction needed for Queens College students. In most cases, we anticipate that these sections can be assigned to permanent, full-time faculty. Chairs and deans are working on a case-by-case basis to ensure that our students are prioritized. At the start of this academic year, the college announced the appointment of 57 new faculty appointments, the result of new state budget support enacted last year. 

We are committed to expanded opportunities for consultation, input and involvement as we work through shared governance on both future budgetary challenges and on sustained advocacy for resources derived from external funding sources. 

In accordance with longstanding processes, the Human Resources Office is providing information, and, where appropriate,counseling, concerning benefits and unemployment insurance to those impacted by the current budgetary situation. 

There is also hope on the horizon in terms of the state budget proposal for next year. There is increased programmatic support recommended for the university. 

At the same time, QC is working with CUNY and the state to assure that the next faculty and staff contract will be fully funded. Advocacy on behalf of the college and the university is vital; we made it a priority, together with college representatives, to meet with legislators and their staff throughout this past year. We will continue to do so throughout the entire budgetary process—there is strength in numbers. 

Queens College remains an institution that lifts up first-generation immigrants, migrants, and their sons and daughters, and those who would not otherwise have an opportunity to earn a college degree. I am wholly committed to its educational mission. The college produces educated taxpayers who help comprise and contribute to the economic foundation of the borough, city and state. 

Whenever we commit ourselves to supporting student recruitment, retention and graduation, we are protecting and strengthening the social fabric of the broader community of New York. We will work with all constituencies to obtain additional budgetary support from the state in order to secure the long-term stability we need to realize our vital mission. 

Frank H. Wu

President, Queens College