SASKATOON – The acting president of the University of Saskatchewan has responded to an open letter signed by over 850 students, staff and faculty calling for an end to the TransformUS cost cutting process.
Gordon Barnhart, who was named acting president after Ilene Busch-Vishniac was fired last week, said a public meeting will be held at some point to hear concerns.
“I think they raise some good points,” said Barnhart but added they are not ready to make any announcements yet.
The open letter began circulating last Friday, calling on the TransformUS process to be stopped.
The cost-cutting measure was started after a review identified an anticipated deficit of $44.5 million by 2016, a figure that has been questioned.
Barnhart did say the university will continue with its restructuring plans and budget cuts.
“We are listening, we will be doing some consulting,” said Barnhart.
It was also announced Dr. Robert Buckingham would not be reinstated as dean of the School of Public Health.
Buckingham was fired and escorted off campus after he wrote a letter questioning the TransformUS process.
He was later rehired but not as head of the school.
Comments