The Chronicle's Feb. 27 article on Duke's progress on the strategic plan contained one sentence that is misleading regarding Arts and Sciences. It states that I have asked a budget task force to "look at ways to balance [the] budget--including a cut in either faculty salaries or the number of hires." I have never suggested a cut in salaries, nor have I ever suggested cutting faculty slots--one possible interpretation of your wording. In my September speech to the Arts and Sciences Council and in my charge to the budget task force, I did say that in light of anticipated deficits over the next few years, some hard choices would have to be made, for example between a continued increase in faculty slots--which have grown by 46 percent in the last six years--higher than average salary increases, continued expansion of support for graduate students and further increases in research support. In short, out budgetary situation compels us to make trade-offs. We cannot have everything. But I never have and never would suggest a cut in salaries or reducing the existing size of our faculty. We will continue our quest for excellence--within parameters that recognize budgetary restraints.
William Chafe
Dean
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
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