A word from the Dean, 1 December 2017

Dear Staff

Earlier today, the Vice-Chancellor sent out an e-mail about SDU's financial situation. The short story is that SDU has a robust economy, but in the long term the University will experience a drop in education income as a result of the Government's annual 2 % cutbacks to the education area. We now know that these cutbacks will continue until 2021.

In 2016 and 2017, the Faculty has had increased income as a result of the Study Progress Reform, but our prognoses show that the level of income in the coming years will largely return to that of previous years. At the same time, we are experiencing a drop in basic research funding at the Faculty as a result of an increase in expenses in SDU's central budget, including rent and strategic initiatives. Therefore, starting from 2019, it is necessary to find savings and/or further income.

As announced, in the first quarter of 2018 a coordinated selection and deselection process will be carried out across SDU, which will bring SDU's and the Faculties' budgets into balance. Until the beginning of 2018, we at the Faculty will prepare proposals for selections and deselections. The Management Group wants to involve the relevant organs in this process, including of course the Liaison Committee, the Academic Council, the Study Board and the Department Councils/Teaching Committees. However, we have decided to set a clear frame for how the savings are to be made.

In contrast to the round of adjustments in the spring of 2016, this time we have more time to implement the adjustments. Furthermore, we have the capital to make investments which can contribute to effectivisation or the creation of new income opportunities. Therefore, I hope and believe that the savings can be made without laying off staff.

Martin Zachariasen, Dean