ASU3 Service and Staffing Updates

Message to Faculty and GEs

September 29, 2025

As we start a new academic year, I write to share an update on services and staffing taking place across all Academic Support Units (ASUs) in the College of Arts and Sciences. These changes reflect both the current fiscal reality of the College and administrative long-term strategic direction that was already underway. Following the Dean’s direction, ASUs are now focused on essential student support services and supporting core institutional functions. For context, please refer to the attached messages from CAS Dean Chris Poulsen, including the CASDAS service and staffing updates and CAS Budget FAQ email and CAS Budget FAQ.

This moment requires our collective adaptability and partnership as we shift how work is structured and prioritize the essential services that directly support the student experience.    

ASU Staffing Changes  

 The CAS budget realignment has led to significant changes across ASUs which are impacting staff workload and operational capacity in multiple ways. These include: 

  • the full dissolution of ASU 7 and the discontinuation of all ASU 7 staff positions, 
  • the reassignment of the departments, programs, and centers in ASU 7 to other ASUs (primarily ASU 5 and ASU 3 as shared via email in the summer and specifically with the addition of Environmental Studies, The Center for Environmental Futures, and InfoGraphics Lab to ASU 3),  
  • layoffs in multiple ASUs in June and September, 
  • a staff hiring pause resulting in multiple vacancies remaining unfilled, 
  • repositioning of ASU staff to other ASUs in new positions, 
  • repurposing of staff to new positions within their current ASU, 
  • sharing of single staff positions across multiple ASUs, and 
  • discontinuation of specific classifications in the ASUs, including Executive Support Coordinators and Buyers. 

Specifically, within ASU 3 the following staff changes have occurred in early fall term:  

  • Graduate Support Coordinator, Anna Hindley (repositioned from within ASU 3, Executive Support Coordinator, effective October)
  • Undergraduate Support Coordinator, Julie Anderson (respositioned from within ASU 3, Faculty Support Coordinator, effective October)

 By October 3, the ASU 3 webpage Information for Faculty and Staff – ASU3 and its staff directory, inclusive of the Whom to Contact sheet(s), linked at What We Do – ASU3 will be updated to reflect these changes.  Other than two staff helping part time (.25 each) in Operations from ASU 2, no additional staff changes occurred in ASU3 and your former contacts remain your current contacts in ASU3.

 ASU Service Changes  

 Beginning in fall 2025, there will be a change in services to achieve consistency, service quality, and equity across all CAS departments. We have created uniform processes and procedures that allow us to continue providing essential services. The ASUs now maintain a Portfolio of Common Services which outlines the services that staff handle in all departments and programs in the ASUs. This resource is available on the CAS intranet at CAS ASU Services – Home.

 Additionally, a Services Not Provided by Staff list is now in effect in the ASUs across the College and will be fully implemented no later than November 1, 2025. This list reflects the limited staffing realities and ensures clarity regarding the scope of ASU responsibilities. This resource is available on the CAS intranet at ASU Services Not Provided – Home.

 Many service requests to ASU staff from faculty and others will now be handled through a suite of standardized online forms. These forms must be initiated and completed by the requestor. For ASU 3, the forms used across all ASUs and ASU 3 specific forms are available directly at ASU Forms – ASU3 and via the CAS intranet at CAS ASU 3 – Home using the links in the Whom to Contact section at the bottom of the page.

 The following service request forms will be used across all ASUs: 

Additional forms will be added as processes are further standardized. ASU staff will partner with you to guide you through the changing services, standardized processes, and new forms as they are introduced.  

 Moving Forward Together 

 Your partnership is essential during this period of change. As staff step into new roles and evolving responsibilities, your readiness to adapt and the use of the outlined forms will help sustain a respectful and productive workplace. 

 Working in partnership means: 

  • submitting service requests through the appropriate forms, 
  • calibrating expectations to current staffing and capacity, 
  • supporting staff as colleagues as they take on new responsibilities, and 
  • bringing questions or feedback to the ASU Associate Director and/or ASU Managers proactively. 

We recognize these changes may create temporary inconvenience, but they are critical to aligning our services with available resources and our academic mission. Thank you for your collaboration, flexibility, and commitment to our shared goals. 

 Regards,  

 

 

Melissa Bowers, MBA
Pronouns: she/her/hers

 

Links: