Joint task force to offer advice on COVID-19 response

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President Michael H. Schill and University Senate President Elizabeth Skowron have announced the formation of a joint task force to offer advice and guidance about financial challenges facing the University of Oregon due to the coronavirus.

During the May 13 University Senate meeting, Schill, Skowron and Provost Patrick Phillips said the task force will review data on university operations and revenue projections, and use the information to review proposals, develop and consider strategies, and provide advice for long-term planning.

“I’m delighted to have the group’s expertise, its insight and its counsel,” Schill said. “One of the things I want this task force to do is think creatively so that we can come through this and emerge as an even stronger mission-driven institution in the future.”

The university anticipates decreased enrollment over the next two to three years and state funding cuts due to the pandemic. The task force will advise the president on addressing those issues in ways that make the best use of university resources to fulfil the institution’s teaching and research mission.

“They’ll be making regular updates to the campus community, engaging campus members, getting input and feedback, analyzing proposals, and advising on long-term planning,” Skowron said. “We’re very grateful to the individuals who have agreed to serve as members of this committee.”

The Joint UO Senate/Administration Task Force on Long-term Responses to COVID-19 is made up of 15 members of faculty and staff, and will include one student, yet to be named. The task force members are:

  • Elliot Berkman, task force co-chair, College of Arts and Sciences, associate professor of psychology, University Senate president-elect.
  • Bruce Blonigen, College of Arts and Sciences, dean and professor of economics.
  • Liska Chan, College of Design, associate professor of landscape architecture; Clark Honors College, associate dean for faculty.
  • Robin Clement, Lundquist College of Business, director, Master of Accounting program; academic director, sports product management; and Robert and Lois Braddock Distinguished Senior Instructor.
  • Nicole Dahmen, School of Journalism and Communication, associate professor, honors program coordinator.
  • Judith Eisen, College of Arts and Sciences, professor of biology.
  • Larissa Ennis, University Advancement, Government and Community Relations, associate director of sponsorships and community relations.
  • Kent McIntosh, College of Education, Philip H. Knight Chair and professor of special education and clinical sciences.
  • Sabrina Madison-Cannon, task force co-chair, School of Music and Dance, Phyllis and Andrew Berwick Dean and professor of dance.
  • Terry McQuilkin, School of Music and Dance, instructor of composition; University Libraries, Department of Music Services, access services specialist.
  • Michael Price, College of Arts and Sciences, senior instructor of mathematics, assistant department head.
  • Gerardo Sandoval, College of Design, Planning, Public Policy and Management, Associate Professor
  • Doneka Scott, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success
  • Melissa (Lisa) Redford, College of Arts and Sciences, professor of linguistics, department head.
  • Jennifer (Jen) Reynolds, School of Law, associate professor; faculty director, Appropriate Dispute Resolution Center
  • Student member to be named through an application process.

The task force will begin meeting in June and continue its work into the 2020-21 academic year.

For more information, visit the Office of the President’s website.

 

—By Jesse Summers, University Communications