Duke News
Working Smaller and Smarter
November, 2009
Across Duke, people are retooling for a shrinking budget and workforce. Call center staff members are cross-training to process benefits changes. New imaging technology in Accounts Payable is saving staff time – and positions. And facilities crews are changing how often they cut grass and perform non-critical maintenance.
Sizing Up a Smaller Duke
November 12, 2009
For years, Duke has been on a high-growth trajectory. With declines in endowment returns and philanthropic giving, the university—like most of higher education—is adjusting to a challenging financial reality.
Student Health Pharmacy to Close
November 10, 2009
University officials announced that the pharmacy in the Student Health Center on West Campus will close December 18, due largely to rising operational and drug cost.
Employees Learn More About Monthly Retirement Incentive
October 30, 2009
Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for Human Resources, greeted a packed conference room on Wednesday for the first of a series of information sessions about the Monthly Staff Retirement Incentive
Faculty Recruitment Remains Active Despite Recession
October 23, 2009
As part of a plan to spur new faculty recruitment, the university is planning to create a central fund to provide financial assistance for eligible faculty members who may be considering retirement but have faced downturns in their retirement funds because of the recession.
Duke Endowment Down in 2008
October 7, 2009
Duke University's endowment declined by 24.3 percent last year, losing more than a billion and a half dollars in value.
New Retirement Incentive To Be Offered
September 14, 2009
Duke University announced that a voluntary retirement incentive will be offered to salaried (monthly paid) staff members who meet specific criteria.
Nearly 300 Staff Accept Retirement Incentive
July 8, 2009
When Duke offered a retirement incentive to University staff earlier this year, the decision to accept was easy for Kenneth Sanders.
Questions and Answers About Retirement Incentive
June 9, 2009
The staff retirement incentive plan offers a larger pension and earlier eligibility for retiree health insurance for those who accept it.
Economic Outlook Clouded by Uncertain Market Forces
June 9, 2009
The university has worked deliberately since last fall to close a $125 million budget shortfall over three years, but unknowns exist: the depth of the recession, the future value of Duke’s investments and the full effects of cost-saving measures underway.
Duke Moving to Online Pay Statements
May 28, 2009
In July, Duke University and Health System will transition to full adoption of online pay statements through the Duke@Work self-service website for those employees participating in direct deposit.
DART: Targeted Cost Savings
May 27, 2009
Changes such as online pay statements reflect the beginning of a three-year process of reducing the University's budget by approximately $125 million as a result of the global economic slowdown.
Information Sessions Offer Details on Staff Voluntary Retirement Incentive Plan
May 19, 2009
55 Duke employees attended information sessions last week to learn more about a staff voluntary retirement incentive plan that offers an enhanced pension and earlier eligibility for retiree health insurance. The incentive is available to 825 university staff members who participate in the Employees Retirement Plan, a pension plan.
Trustees Approve Flat 2009-10 Budget
May 8, 2009
Continuing its efforts to respond to the tight economy, Duke University’s Board of Trustees on Friday approved a flat $1.8 billion budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year beginning July 1.
A Smaller Duke
May 5, 2009
As North Carolina’s unemployment hovers at nearly 11 percent, the number of people looking for work at Duke has hit an all-time high: 10,367 people applied this January – a 52 percent increase over the same month last year. But applicants face increasingly long odds of landing a job at Duke.
Administrators Discuss Plans to Deal with Budget Shortfall
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Nearly 500 faculty and staff turned out for the Primetime employee forum on Tuesday to hear plans for how Duke was dealing with the recession, which has left a $125 million hole in its budget.
University Announces Retirement Incentive for Staff
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Duke University has announced a special retirement incentive plan for about 600-700 staff to help reduce the size of the workforce as part of continuing efforts to address its $125 million budgetary shortfall.
Questions for Duke on the Economy
April 19, 2009
As university employees hear more about plans for a smaller Duke, two questions are on the minds of many: Will there be a retirement buy-out package and will there be layoffs?
New University Process to Review Hiring for Staff Vacancies
Friday, March 20, 2009
As part of the effort to address its budgetary challenges, the university has initiated a process to better manage existing vacancies and recruitment of all staff positions.
Duke Committee Seeks Administrative Reforms
Thursday, March 19, 2009
As part of Duke’s ongoing efforts to manage costs, the university has established a team of faculty and staff to identify opportunities to redesign major processes and services that span the institution in an effort to reduce costs while strengthening support for the academic mission.
Creative cost-cutting ideas from Duke community
Friday, March 13, 2009
Many faculty and staff have submitted cost-cutting suggestions through a new Duke website, "Enduring A Troubled Economy," which serves as a central location for information about Duke’s efforts to manage expenses.
In Letter to Staff, President Brodhead Outlines Duke's Response to Economic Downtown
Sunday, March 1, 2009
President Richard H. Brodhead described how the economy is affecting Duke University and the steps being taken to keep Duke strong in the future.
A Time of Challenge, Not Retreat
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
President Richard H. Brodhead sent a message to Duke faculty and staff Wednesday that said even though Duke continues to enjoy “great strength and stability,” he has asked deans and administrators to begin preparing scenarios for future savings.
Following Duke's Financials
Monday, November 10, 2008
The fallout from the failure of financial institutions and declines in the stock market have fueled concerns about the economy and raised questions among faculty and staff about the impact on Duke. Executive Vice President Tallman Trask III sat down with Working@Duke recently to discuss the University’s financial position and impact of the financial crisis on operations and Duke’s future plans.
President Brodhead's Email to the Duke Community
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The continuing news about the economy has made this a time of uncertainty and painful prospects for virtually every family in America. I want you to know how these developments are affecting Duke.