Message analysis exercise (preparing unit)

To: All employees
From: Sarah Chen, President, University of Ontario
Date: January 1, 2021
Subject: Future expenditure guidelines

After careful deliberation, I have determined it is necessary to begin the initial steps of a financial stewardship program that carries UOntario through what appears to be a two-year cycle of a severe shortfall in government funding.
Beginning today, the following actions are being implemented in order to address the projected reductions in our government aid for the remainder of this year and next year.
1. Only purchases needed to operate the university should be made so that we can begin saving to reduce the impact of the budget reductions.
2. Requests for out-of-province travel will require approval from the Executive Committee to ensure that only necessary institutional travel occurs.
3. Purchases, including in-province travel and budget transfers, will require the appropriate vice president’s approval.
Please understand that we are taking these prudent steps to create savings that will allow UOntario to reduce the impact of projected government cuts.
Thank you for your cooperation.