January 30, 2025

Dear Colleagues:

We wanted to provide you with an update on the timeline for administrative alignment of finance and human resource services which was announced in President Parsons’  budget update email on January 23. Shaped by input from our campus community, we have expanded our timeline for shifting finance and human resources budget and reporting lines from academic and administrative units to the offices of the Vice President for University Operations (VPUO), and the Vice President for Human Resources (VPHR), respectively.

Due to the intricate nature of these essential services, units require additional time for a thorough assessment of their finance and HR reporting structures in consideration of administrative alignment. Here is the updated timeline:

• By July 1, 2025, each college and VP division will designate finance and HR leads who will have direct reporting lines to the offices of the VPUO and VPHR while continuing a strong, strategic relationship with their unit leadership. No budget shifts will occur at this time.
• Over the course of FY2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), colleges and divisions will work to structure their internal organizations and identify long-term needs to administer finance and HR services for administrative alignment.
• Budget shifts will become effective at the start of FY2027 (July 1, 2026). This extends the original target date of July 1, 2025, by one year.

This expanded timeline is structured to allow thoughtful consideration and collaboration to determine the best reporting structures in consideration of the unique needs of each unit. As we move through this process over the next 18 months with deans and vice presidents, we will be engaging our colleagues in Faculty Council, Administrative Professional Council, and Classified Personnel Council. We also will be consulting with department heads and chairs, associate deans, and leadership teams.

Our goals are to enhance the organizational effectiveness of CSU, implement best practices across the University, and ensure all employees have the positive working environments they deserve enabled by robust and connected HR teams. This also will enable us to work together toward stronger financial sustainability to advance excellence in our primary missions: teaching, research, and engagement.

Thank you for all you do each day to support our students and elevate our excellence. We look forward to continued innovations designed to ensure our success and CSU’s positive impact on Colorado, the nation, and our world.

Sincerely,

Marion K. Underwood
Provost and Executive Vice President

Brendan Hanlon
Vice President for University Operations
Chief Financial Officer

Eric Ray
Vice President for Human Resources