An April 20 email from President Kathleen McCartney and Vice President for Finance and Administration David DeSwert to the Smith community outlined the college’s plan moving forward amid the COVID-19 crisis.
“Spring remains darkened by the persistence and spread of COVID-19, and we do not have sufficient public health guidance on when it will be safe to return to work and school,” they wrote. “Regardless, we must plan for the future by focusing on our mission – to educate our students for lives of distinction and purpose.”
Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the college is planning to welcome back students in August and September for the fall semester while still putting structures in place in case students can’t come back.
“If we need to delay the start of the fall semester, we will still be prepared to offer a full, in-person academic year by extending the term longer than usual or having fewer breaks,” they said. “Nonetheless, we have to consider the possibility that public health guidance will prevent us from full on-campus operations in the fall, and we are actively planning for alternate scenarios. An Academic Program Planning Group is developing detailed contingency plans that will guide faculty and students as they prepare for the next academic year.”
The email also discussed the college’s financial setbacks. Because the college has refunded room and board fees, there is an estimated 8-10M dollar gap in this year’s budget. The COVID-19 crisis is also affecting the endowment and cutting down other sources of revenue.
To make up for its loss of revenue, the college is using reserves put aside for emergencies like this one and temporarily drawing more funds from the endowment. The college also put a hiring and salary increase freeze in place and has suspended work on the Neilson Library and Washburn House. McCartney and DeSwert have voluntarily decreased their salaries by 20%, while all other vice presidents for administration have decreased theirs by 5% to 20%.
McCartney and DeSwert also wrote that they may have to consider staffing changes.
“Unfortunately, these circumstances will require us to consider staffing changes, given that salaries and benefits comprise the largest portion of the college’s expenses (58%). We plan to use a phased approach,” they wrote. “All 12-month benefit-eligible employees will be guaranteed salary continuity through May 31; however some staff will be placed on summer furlough, full or partial, if there is not sufficient work for them while the college remains in remote operation. In those cases where furloughs are necessary, staff will be temporarily laid off but retain their benefits.”
The email closed with McCartney and DeSwert expressing their gratitude for the Smith community’s support. Those with a smith.edu address can email Suggestionbox@smith.edu for suggestions on how to manage the COVID-19 crisis.
