Dear Colleagues,
There is no easy way to communicate about personnel and organizational changes, but I’d like to update you on recent reductions in force and program closures at SFCC. The Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to enormous and sweeping financial challenges to businesses and organizations far and wide. Unfortunately, SFCC is not immune to these adverse economic effects.
In May 2020, the SFCC Governing Board declared a financial emergency and under these constraints last week approved a final budget for the coming fiscal year during its April 28 meeting. The resulting changes are detailed below.
SFCC’s Solar Energy, Architectural and Interior Design, Exercise Science, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Fashion Design programs will close beginning the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2021. The college will not enroll any new students in these degree or certificate programs and will offer teach-outs for credential-seeking students in these areas. Although credentials in these programs will no longer be available, we are exploring options to offer classes in these areas through adjacent academic programs or Continuing Education/Contract Training programming.
The budget includes reduction in force in the following positions: 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) in the Bookstore, 4 FTE Faculty, and 1 FTE Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations. Additionally, certain unfilled and vacant positions have been removed, including Facilities Recycling Clerk (currently vacant/position eliminated), Grounds Keeper (currently vacant/position eliminated), Jewelry Faculty (currently vacant/position eliminated), HEC Administrative Assistant II (1 FTE, currently vacant/position eliminated), HEC Administrative Assistant II (.5 FTE, currently vacant/position eliminated), Hospitality Program Coordinator (currently vacant/position eliminated), Director of Food Services (Instruction and General funding, currently vacant/position eliminated), and HEC Director (interim fill, currently vacant/position eliminated).
The pandemic has introduced numerous financial challenges and exacerbated existing ones. As a public tax-funded enterprise, it’s our duty to serve our community as an efficient, sustainable, and nimble institution. We must adjust and transform to support the ever-changing needs of our students and meet the ever-growing accountability measures set for community colleges. For me personally, this is a really difficult situation. I want you to know that I believe we are making every effort to respond to the gravity of our circumstances with compassion and a continued dedication to the students and the community we serve.
Sincerely,
Becky Rowley, Ph.D.
President
