Close campus for summer to save money

July 15, 2019

University Relations

With all the talk of drastic budget cuts, layoffs, furloughs, etc. - what would the savings be if the campus was closed entirely for at least two months during the summer? Being closed only two or 2 1/2 months would allow time after commencement for departments to finish their work and then open again a few weeks prior to the start of the fall semester. I am sure some exceptions would have to be made (ongoing research projects, physical/power plants, etc) and it would mean no on campus classes during the summer months. But those two+ months would save salary (this could be the mandatory “furlough”), buildings would not be used, the cost of utilities would be less. But, the impact on the rest of the academic year could be lessened with these potential savings. Just a thought.