Chancellor issues memo on freezes

The following memorandum was issued Dec. 18 by CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed to all CSU presidents:

In light of the continuing economic challenges facing California , Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has issued two Executive Orders. The first (S-3-03) calls for a state hiring freeze and the second (S-4-03) establishes restrictions on contracts for services or equipment. While the California State University is specifically exempted from mandatory compliance with these freezes, we have been asked to voluntarily comply wherever we can while not interfering with our educational mission.

In the spirit of cooperation with these Orders, effective immediately, I am instituting a systemwide hiring freeze. This hiring freeze applies to all vacant budgeted positions, newly established positions, temporary positions, student assistants, special consultants and to any change in employee classification, skill level, or MPP job code. The freeze is immediate and applies to any Employee Requisition already in process. Exception to this hiring freeze may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the campus President, or by the Chancellor for positions at the Chancellor's Office.

Although faculty searches are not specifically excluded from this freeze, we realize that many of these searches are nearing completion and that they may have significant impact on the delivery of instruction. Therefore these factors should be carefully considered when determining whether to grant an exemption.

To obtain an exception, the hiring manager should submit a memo explaining why the hire or personnel action is essential to the educational mission of the CSU. In addition to this justification, a budgetary review should be made before any requisition is approved to ensure that sufficient general funds are available for the position. This justification and budgetary review should be submitted to the

appropriate Vice President/Vice Chancellor who may then forward it to the President/Chancellor for final approval. Each campus should rescind managerial authority to make employment offers and establish procedures for central extension of such offers to ensure that appropriate prior approval has been received.

Additionally, I am asking that no new contracts for services or purchases of equipment that are not essential to the educational mission or operational needs of the University be awarded. Expenditure obligations for non-essential travel (such as seminars, conferences and training) should be reviewed and approved with the same level of scrutiny and prudence as applied to the hiring and acquisition restrictions.

The University will be expected to assure appropriate processing principles and guidelines are implemented for the purchasing and hiring freeze to assure the basic functions of university operations continue to support a safe, healthy working environment for our employees and students.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.