E-Insight

November 2005

Update from the Dean's Office

Dear Friends,

Let me start by acknowledging recent events here in Colorado that will have a profound impact on the future of our University. On Nov. 1, Colorado voters approved Referendum C surrendering $3.7 billion in taxpayer refunds over the next five years to help stabilize the state’s finances and re-invest in higher education, health care and transportation. Referendum C also will allow a one-time “re-setting” of the state’s fiscal clock to reflect current economic conditions. Had Referendum C failed, the state was looking at additional cuts of up to $400 million in 2006 alone, much of which would have come from non-mandated areas of state funding, particularly higher education. Colorado State University administrators were predicting steep tuition increases and significant cuts in programs. The outcome of this election reflects the importance of higher education to the citizens of Colorado.

Our College derives 10 percent of its operating budget from state appropriations. We are thankful that the passage of Referendum C means we will not experience reductions in this portion of our budget. However, it is unlikely we will receive significant new state funds as a result of the election. Continued excellence and expansion of programs in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences will remain dependent on diverse revenue streams including the Colorado State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, extramural research grants and private giving. We excel in all of these areas thanks to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students.

With the passage of Referendum C, the fiscal situation at Colorado State University is more optimistic and the recently approved University Strategic Plan can move forward on solid footing. Speaking of the University Strategic Plan, each of the University’s colleges has been developing their own College Strategic Plan, and strategic plans from departments within each college to incorporate into the overall University plan. I am now receiving these plans from each of our departments to include in the College Strategic Plan, which is due at the President’s Office by Dec. 1. I appreciate all the input I have received, and remind you there is still time to provide feedback.

In other news, on Oct. 18 President Larry Penley joined us at our Fall Faculty and Staff Meeting to describe the University’s new organizational plan for central administration. President Penley also talked about Referendums C and D and the potential implications of both. He responded to questions from those in attendance and we appreciate very much his taking time to visit with us.

Also at the meeting, Dr. Lori Kogan presented a summary of the State Classified Survey, of which the full set of data is available on the College Web site. You can open the site by clicking on www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/survey/scsurvey.pdf. If you are outside of the campus network, you will be prompted for your login information. Remember to use COLOSTATE\”Your EID.” In a continuing effort to improve communication within the College, Dr. Kogan will conduct a survey of administrative professionals later this fall. In other staff related news, next month E-Insight will be introducing not only new faculty members to our greater campus community, but staff and administrative professionals as well in our new faculty and staff profiles page.

Finally, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have a relaxing and safe holiday and look forward to seeing everyone after the break.

Best Regards,

Lance Perryman, DVM, PhD
Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences