UA cuts 28 jobs in health sciences restructuring plan
The University of Arizona is eliminating roughly 28 positions in its Health Sciences Department as part of a sweeping reorganization that will fold its programs into university operations by Aug. 7.
The University of Arizona is eliminating roughly 28 positions in its Health Sciences Department as part of a sweeping reorganization that will dissolve the division's administrative structure and fold its programs directly into university operations by Aug. 7.
UA's Provost and Chief Academic Officer Patricia A. Prelock announced the reorganization in a letter to the campus community earlier this month, saying it's the best way for the university to maintain its commitment to health.
"We recognize the dedication of these employees and the meaningful work they have done in support of health sciences," UA spokesperson Mitch Zak said of the staffers whose positions are being eliminated. "Human Resources is working closely to support affected employees and help them navigate the many employment opportunities across the university, including current openings and additional positions that will be posted in the coming weeks."
Prelock framed the consolidation as a continuation of work already underway, saying the UA initiated the realignment of its health science colleges, centers and administrative functions a year ago to streamline the structure and create a more cohesive organization.
The realignments come with new supervisors, selected by the provost, with the goal of providing oversight to programs like the Interprofessional Clinical and Professional Skills Center, the Center for Transformative Interprofessional Healthcare, the Arizona Area Health Education Centers and Indigenous health programs.
"We are now in the final phase of that integration," the letter said. "In the coming weeks, the remaining health sciences functions, activities and programs will move to areas within the university structure where they best align and can be integrated to highlight the important role of health across campus."
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Those that are no longer needed will be discontinued, effective Aug. 7, according to the letter.
The Health Sciences Department has a budget of $48.6 million, following an 18% cut last year. It's unclear how the funds will be divided now that administrative functions will be cut.
Next steps under the realignment include reorganizing all health and professional programs to fall under control of the provost. Programs that will not be under its direct control will be moved to buildings and colleges where "they complement existing programming."
Interprofessional K-12 Initiatives will move under the College of Medicine — Tucson, along with the All of Us Research Program.
"Clinical Placements and Partnerships will move under the School of Health Professions in the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, where it will continue to serve all colleges with student clinical experiences," the letter said.
Remaining health sciences departments have already been moved under the Office of Research and Partnerships, a department that now houses sciences ranging from astronomy to biosciences to weather sciences.
"As part of the final phase of this integration, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation will also join the Office of Research and Partnerships," the letter said.
Room scheduling for Health Sciences will move under the Office of the Registrar, effectively consolidating all functions of the department under the provost or another arm of the university. The job losses, at this stage, are the final step.
Interim Vice Provost Jennifer Barton will not be part of the restructured organization.
Barton will be ending her work as vice provost and returning to the Health Sciences Department to pursue her research developing miniature imaging tools for early detection of cancer.
"The complete integration of health sciences activities into university operations allows us to align resources, reduce administrative redundancy and build a leaner structure that reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility," Prelock said.
Quentin Agnello is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist in Tucson. Contact him at qsagnello@gmail.com.
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