FAS Workforce Planning: A First Step

Dear colleagues,

Today, we took a difficult step in our transition to the new FAS administrative model. We are writing to share what happened and what you can expect in the weeks ahead.

The lead administrators in FAS academic divisions, including Department Administrators and Executive Directors and Center Executive Directors, met individually with Warren or another senior FAS leader to learn how their roles are positioned within the new model. For most, these conversations confirmed a continuing role, in some cases with new reporting lines or adjusted responsibilities. For others, they heard the difficult news that their current roles are ending, although there may be opportunities to move into other positions in the FAS as new roles are posted. These are deeply consequential decisions, and they were not made lightly.

We are grateful to our DAs and EDs in the divisions, who have carried this community through an extraordinarily challenging period. We have worked hard to ensure that each person affected by today's conversations has been treated, and will continue to be treated, with care, dignity, and respect. This commitment extends to every member of our community as we move through this transition.

Over the course of the next four weeks, we will carry out notifications for all remaining affected staff. This will happen in several waves. Through these notification conversations, all affected staff will learn how their roles are situated in the new model – whether their role will continue (potentially with new reporting lines or with adjusted responsibilities) or will come to an end.

We will communicate as clearly and directly as we can as timing is finalized. Before any individual notification conversations take place, affected staff will receive a message from FAS HR with details and guidance. As we begin this process, we will alert FAS staff and faculty so that everyone knows when conversations are underway and when these notifications are complete.

We know this prolonged time of uncertainty is painful and has caused significant stress. Please know that we are working to move through this transition as thoughtfully, compassionately, and transparently as possible and will keep you informed each step of the way. Thank you for your patience, your dedication, and your support of one another.

Sincerely,
Hopi and Warren

Hopi Hoekstra
Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences
C. Y. Chan Professor of Arts and Science
Xiaomeng Tong and Yu Chen Professor of Life Sciences

Warren Petrofsky
Dean of Administration and Finance
Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences