September 7, 2012

Dear Colleagues,

This is an update on changes at the University.

Every research university in the country is operating within an increasingly complex regulatory and compliance environment. The rules that apply to our research activities, clinical operations, student services, and athletic programs are changing every day, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the University is compliant with the regulations in all respects.

Over the past year, we have beefed up compliance efforts across the University. The next step is the hiring of a university-wide vice president of compliance who will report directly to me. We will conclude that search this fall.

The next part of our review, which included a careful reading of the Freeh report recommendations following the Penn State tragedy, has led to a decision to consolidate human resource functions on all three campuses into one reporting line to the vice president for human resources, much like what we have done successfully with information technology.

The goal is for everyone involved in human resources, whether in dedicated, shared, or matrixed functions, to be fully aligned with University policies and processes for the ways in which staff are recruited, selected, background checked, compensated, on-boarded, developed, reviewed, disciplined, and promoted. We are starting a process with our senior leadership team that will articulate clear policies and have processes in place that recognize both the unique needs of particular operations and the importance of minimizing deviations from policy that can cause risk to the University. We expect this process to be completed by the end of the calendar year.

The reorganization and cost-related reductions at the medical school that began in May will be completed by the end of September. Additional changes may result from negotiations of the annual operating agreement with Jackson Memorial Hospital. If so, those changes will be made in consultation with department chairs with every effort made if necessary to redeploy our clinical team as quickly and painlessly as possible. Our working relationship with the Jackson leadership team is strong, so I’m optimistic that we will come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

Most importantly, I want to ensure that our faculty and staff are treated fairly and well and that the University of Miami continues to be seen as not just a good place to work—but a great place to work. That’s my commitment to you.

More later!