Dear colleagues,Ìý
As you are aware, the Government of Quebec’s announcement on tuition measures impacting university funding stands to wield severe, adverse financial impact on McGill. In the face of this situation, I issued a memo on November 2 to academic leadership, establishing a deceleration of academic hiring. Ìý
Since that date, it has become clear that circumstances look increasingly negative for the University, and that more severe restrictions are now warranted. The financial conditions that we will face over the current and upcoming fiscal years are deeply worrisome. Ìý
Until there is greater certainty, we must make tough decisions to minimize assuming new financial obligations. Ìý
As salaries represent the largest category of expense in our operating budget,Ìýthere will be a complete halt of all new hiring, both academic and administrative.ÌýThis hiring freeze is effective immediately.
The goal of this measure is to reduce the number of employees in the short-term through attrition rather than cutting positions held by current members of our workforce.Ìý
As such, all recruitment processes presently underway are suspended, effective immediately, until further notice. Few exceptions will be made and will be determined on a restrictive, case-by-case basis.Ìý
The foregoing does not apply to the following categories of employment: teaching assistants, course lecturers, postdocs, and research assistants and associates. Ìý
I regret to note further that should the Government proceed with any version thus far proposed of its plan, additional extraordinary measures will be necessary in FY25.Ìý
All this being said, I want to reassure academic colleagues that this announcement will have no impact whatsoever on assessments and decisions in relation to tenure and promotion.Ìý
Over the coming weeks, we will be working with leaders across McGill to assess activities that are not mission-critical, which can be put on hold. Our work must centre all that is core to our academic mission; our top priorities remain the pursuit of excellence in research and the delivery of top-quality education to our students.Ìý
I realize this is a dramatic state of affairs that will give rise to disappointment and concern.Ìý I truly hope that these circumstances will be short-lived and that more promising news can be shared in the near future.Ìý
Thank you for your understanding and collaboration. Ìý
Ìý
Christopher ManfrediÌý
Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic)Ìý