Provost announcement on retiree benefits

On April 1 Provost Lariviere emailed this announcement eliminating retiree benefits.

Dear Colleagues,

As KU implements the budget reductions that stem from the economic crisis, our priority has been to maintain the core academic and research functions of the university. This focus enables us to continue to fulfill the mission given to us by the people of Kansas, but still requires cuts that affect the faculty and staff of the university.

Today I want to tell you of another of these cuts.

To show appreciation for the work of KU's faculty and staff members, and to encourage participation in university events, the university has subsidized discounted faculty/staff tickets to KU sporting events and Lied Center events, as well providing a number of free Lied Center tickets to KU retirees.

These subsidies cost KU $451,000 this year - the equivalent of 11 or more employee salaries.

We cannot in good conscience lay off additional employees in order to maintain this discount. As a result, KU will be temporarily suspending the faculty/staff discount for athletic and Lied Center tickets for 2009-10. The only exception to this suspension will be the discount for 2009 football season tickets because those tickets have already been purchased. Also suspended will be the free tickets that retirees can receive for up to three Lied Center series.

I know this will impact the wallets of a number of dedicated KU faculty, staff and retirees during a time of economic hardship. However by spreading this cost out amongst ticket holders, we can devote the savings to the academic and research functions of KU and protect the jobs of several additional employees.

It is our goal to restore these discounts as soon as the budget situation improves. I appreciate your understanding and welcome your feedback.

Sincerely,

Richard W. Lariviere
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor