President's video messages comment

August 15, 2019

University Relations

Hello,

This is indirectly related to UAF  - I've watched all of President Johnsen's video comments and I would like to make a suggestion. Although I understand the president's desire to keep people informed, his last video was very hurtful. President Johnsen is speaking to a population who has no idea if they're going to have jobs after December 31st. His audience is making changes to their holiday travel plans, trying to figure out how they'll pay their mortgages, car payments, and making changes to their spending to save extra cash in case they need it. They're making changes to their retirement deductions, trying to figure out what to do if they don't have health insurance anymore, and talking with their families about losing their jobs and where they will potentially move.

Please ask him to state the facts about what he's doing, what is happening with the governor, and what is happening with the BOR. Give estimated timelines. Provide examples of what he will expect or what the goal is of a meeting. Clear, and direct information.

As President Johnsen said in his video today, "colder weather is coming." The UA audience knows that, and they're trying to figure out if they'll have enough money to pay the fuel bill after December 31st.