UW Superior

UW-Superior Budget Reductions Announced

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University Issues Notice for Custodial & Grounds-Keeping Services

By Lynne Williams, Source UWS Jacket Journal

UW SuperiorUniversity of Wisconsin-Superior Chancellor Renée Wachter announced Wednesday that along with UW System, the campus has issued an Intent to Award notice to Service Solutions Company (SSC), to enter final negotiations in regards to campus custodial and grounds-keeping services.

“This decision impacts many in our campus community, their families, and our community as a whole. It was a challenging one to make,” said Chancellor Wachter. “Yet we are forced to confront the economic realities we face. We must ensure that the University can deliver on its core mission, and that is, service to students.”

This announcement follows a round of other budget reduction measures the campus has undergone in an effort to identify $4.5 million in budget reduction and revenue growth. In May the campus notified grounds and custodial staff about their intent to seek proposals from non-university providers as part of the budget review process.

“Our mission is to educate students. This and other measures we have taken this last year are necessary in order to protect that and ensure the long-term vitality of UW-Superior,” said Chancellor Wachter. “While these decisions are very difficult, I am confident they will allow us to better focus the resources available to us and enhance the student learning experience.”

While final negotiations and costs are yet to be determined, it is estimated that the change in service provider could save the campus up to $2.5 million over the five year contract. SSC brings 45 years of experience in the education market and 55 other higher education clients including Northland College in Ashland, WI.

Other organizational changes that have occurred at UW-Superior in the last year to address budget shortages include a similar move to release management of the campus bookstore to a non-university provider, a 15 percent budget reduction across campus, centralizing of marketing services, leaving open positions vacant, suspension of low-enrolling programs and an on-going academic program review process. The campus budget challenges result from the combination of state budget cuts, enrollment challenges, and tuition freezes.

“UW-Superior is important to the UW System and their success is critical our success as a system and as a state,” said UW System President Ray Cross. “By conducting a thorough review of their academic and non-academic programming, and initiating cost savings in both, UW-Superior is sending a strong message that they are fiscally responsible and ready to refocus their resources on meeting the needs of their students and their community.”




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