Dear Oregon State University Colleagues,
In January, the university launched the Strategic Resource Renewal initiative to address long-term financial pressures and ensure we can continue to invest in our academic mission. This represents a vital opportunity for us to collectively ensure that Oregon State University’s limited resources are aligned with our highest institutional priorities, as we navigate a landscape of chronically low state funding, shifting federal priorities and changing demographics.
Over the course of winter term – coinciding with Phase I of the initiative – the SRR Team developed a fact‑based, institution‑wide perspective of OSU’s current state across enrollment, research, operations, capital and administrative functions. To do this, we interviewed more than 70 experts, deeply examined data and engaged faculty, staff and functional leaders to identify a collection of mission aligned possible opportunities, which we’re calling workstreams. No decisions have been made about specific actions or changes. Phase II is where options will be developed, tested, and refined with input from across the university.
Now, as we begin that important work, we’re hosting a set of interactive town halls where we will review Phase I findings, answer questions and provide an opportunity for attendees to help shape the opportunities that will be developed into proposals during Phase II.
- An in-person town hall is scheduled for 8:30 to 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 28, in the Memorial Union Ballroom.
- An online option is slated for 3:30 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 29 (link provided after RSVP).
- And an in-person session at OSU-Cascades is planned for Thursday, April 30, 4 to 5 p.m. in Obsidian Hall, Room 207.
We encourage you to RSVP and submit questions in advance.
Throughout the SRR process – guided by shared governance and board oversight – the university will make deliberate and informed decisions aligned with university priorities, institutional values, and our academic mission. As select efforts emerge during Phase II, rollout plans will be developed before work shifts into an implementation stage, Phase III, later this year.
Beyond the town halls, we encourage you to share thoughts, ideas and questions reflecting your expertise and interests on the SRR website. We will provide updates at regularly scheduled meetings, including those in colleges, schools and departments and in the Faculty Senate.
Active participation from employees and students will play an important role in shaping how this work moves forward. We are confident that SRR will create a foundation for a resilient, far-reaching future, supporting work across the university to continue to make the world a better place. This is an important phase of the work, and your engagement will strengthen our ability to deliver on our mission and invest in the future of Oregon State University. We appreciate your continued insight and engagement and look forward to seeing and hearing from you at the upcoming town halls.
Sincerely,
Roy Haggerty
Provost and Executive Vice President
Carla L. Ho‘ā
Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer