UCSD
CAMPUS NOTICE
University of California, San Diego
 

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR -
HEALTH SCIENCES
DEAN FOR FACULTY AND STUDENT MATTERS, SOM

July 21, 2004


KEY ADMINISTRATORS/KEY SUPPORT STAFF

SUBJECT:    Elimination of Visual Media Group and the Electronics and Machine Shops

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintain the financial viability of the School of Medicine budget, we have made the decision to eliminate the Visual Media Group (VMG) and the Electronics and Machine Shops. Due to sustained financial losses incurred by these units, all of the units with the exception of Video Production will be closed as of September 1, 2004.

This decision was made following an extensive review of the substantial budgetary support necessary to maintain these units. These services are currently running a cumulative deficit exceeding $1million, and this number is growing as losses continue. Therefore we are closing the Photography, Digital Imaging, Computer Graphics, Slide Imaging, Graphics Services, the Machine Shop, the Electronics Shop, and the Business Office.

We have identified alternate resources to serve the customers of these areas. These include both campus-based and external services.

We are retaining the Video Production unit, which is breaking even. In addition, Video Production tapes specialized medical procedures for educational purposes, a service that cannot be easily or cost effectively obtained elsewhere.

We regret that this action will result in the elimination of nine positions in VMG, the Electronics Shop, the Machine Shop, and the Business Office. The employees have been notified and are being provided counseling and assistance in finding new placements. However, in these difficult economic times our limited financial resources must be used to fund those services that are essential to supporting and advancing the missions of UCSD Health Sciences, including specialized services that cannot easily be purchased outside of the Health Sciences. We have a responsibility to ensure financial solvency for the School of Medicine, and the vital educational, research, clinical and public service programs of the schools.

We appreciate your cooperation and sensitivity during the upcoming transitional period, as we work with the staff and begin to redirect customers to other resources.


David N. Bailey, M.D.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences
Dean for Faculty and Student Matters,
School of Medicine