The move is the next step in the Challenge for Excellence, U of L's road map to become a nationally recognized metropolitan university. It's time to look inward to identify ways we can reinvest our funds internally to help achieve our goals. U of L salaries are behind those of peer metropolitian universities and local and national markets, Shumaker said, an issue that must be addressed if the university is to retain and attract quality faculty and staff. Graduate student support, including new graduate assistantships, increased funding for exisiting assistantships and fellowships, and health insurance for graduate assistants. Diversity initiatives, including support for minority affairs, the Women's Center and the Muhammad Ali Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Technology enhancements to support distance education and institutional data management.
Library books and collections. Sources of funding for the reinvestment come from nearly every area of the university, which underwent a six-month internal review to identify funds that could be redirected for university priorities, Shumaker said. The plan includes the elimination of 32 vacant and 63 filled faculty and staff positions. Shumaker said many currently filled positions may become vacant during the four- year reallocation process due to retirements, and the university will work closely with affected faculty and staff to identify alternative employment within or outside of the university. The board also approved a proposal to close the School of Allied Health Sciences.