UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, focused much of Monday’s all-campus forum on the learning and research environment, specifically as it relates to the May 2022 change in the National Institutes of Health policy regarding the research laboratory environment.
The change strengthens anti-harassment reporting requirements for NIH-supported institutions and requires NIH grant recipients to notify the NIH when key personnel are removed from their position or otherwise disciplined due to concerns about harassment, bullying, retaliation or hostile working conditions.
In discussing the policy, Dr. Gold described national trends and the planning of a comprehensive program underway at UNMC to become known as one of the very best. He indicated that Ken Bayles, PhD, vice chancellor for research, and Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean for graduate studies, will actively participate in reaching out across UNMC to mentor and coach based upon best practices.
Members of the medical center community can view the forum.
Dr. Gold went on to discuss construction projects, and specifically how UNMC residents and students have sent a clear message regarding student housing.
Based on a recent survey, the two groups said they want housing that’s affordable, high quality and within walking distance to classes, labs and Nebraska Medicine. “We have a clear demand signal for student housing and resident housing,” he said. “The message is very clear …make it well, make it close, make it affordable and make it quick.”
Campus leaders already have responded by issuing an RFP (request for proposal) to contractors and developers to initially build and manage 300 units. Leaders also have identified five different locations for potential housing, said Anne Barnes, vice chancellor for business, finance and business development. More information will be provided once RFPs are received and scored.
During the forum, Dr. Gold and Barnes also recapped the university budget planning process and University of Nebraska President Ted Carter’s five-point plan to reinvent the university and accelerate growth.
Working groups currently are being established, Dr. Gold said, to help identify how to address budget challenges and become more structurally and programmatically efficient. The groups also will help devise a preliminary plan (not results) for the December NU Board of Regents meeting, he said.
For now, the university has instituted a hiring freeze, specifically for state-aided positions, Barnes said, and 1% of state allotments will be withheld each quarter; however, analysis of vacant positions has indicated that the hiring freeze will cashflow a significant portion of the withhold. If adequate salary savings are shown each quarter, Barnes expects the funds will be released. The president’s plan also calls for a zero-based budgeting process and, Barnes said, more information will be forthcoming on that, as well as possible incentives for those who provide cost-saving or on-going revenue-generating ideas.
“Growth is the best solution to any long-term structural budget gap,” Dr. Gold said. “Whether it’s enrollment growth, clinical growth, extramurally-funded research grants and contracts, growth is the name of the game. … I believe the med center is particularly well positioned for growth.”
Dr. Gold also said:
- Work continues on finding options for the space formerly occupied by Dunkin’ Donuts on the fourth floor of Wittson Hall. An RFP for a coffee/snack vendor has sparked some interest; another option, he said, might be to create a badge-in, self-check C-store/vending space similar to that found in the Durham Research Center towers. Leaders expect to have a solution by early fall.
- Finalists soon will be brought to campus for the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and Eppley Institute director search. Meanwhile, UNMC College of Nursing Dean Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, has begun as College of Nursing dean, and Gerard “Gerry” Kugel, DMD, PhD, will begin serving as UNMC’s College of Dentistry dean on Sept. 18. Both hail from the Boston area.
- The NU Board of Regents finance committee recently approved the intermediate design review for the health facility on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus; a formal groundbreaking ceremony is likely in September, although ground could be broken prior to that. The committee also approved designs for the CORE (Campus Operations and Research Excellence) building, formerly referred to as the admin building, which is planned for the corner of Farnam Street and Saddle Creek Road. The CORE facility will provide both administrative and research space.
- UNMC has secured the $15 million to unlock the $15 million match in state funds for the pancreatic cancer project.
- UNMC and Nebraska Medicine leaders also have finalized the intergovernmental transfer of funds for graduate medical education, which will result in $35 million in federal dollars annually being available for new GME positions in such areas as rural and women’s health, psychiatry and behavioral health.
Finally, he updated the audience on construction as it relates to the Catalyst project, a new roof for The Lied Transplant Center and Project NExT, which could see construction begin a year from now.
In closing, Dr. Gold thanked the campus community for “all that you do,” reiterated his belief that UNMC is uniquely positioned to deal with the challenges that lie ahead and encouraged individuals to “relax and recharge” with loved ones. “It’s so easy to let your day job control all other aspects of your life, so continue to be focused on work/life values,” he said.