Whereas, it was announced that the Tanana Valley Campus (TVC) is no longer able to sustain the operating costs of the Bunnell House Early Childhood Lab School during the summer months and that it will close during summer, starting in May 2008; and

Whereas, the provision of adequate childcare is a critical issue affecting all members of the university community, including faculty, staff, students, and administrators who depend on Bunnell House year-round; and

Whereas, with approximately 70 families on the Bunnell House wait list, there is a demonstrated need for expanded childcare on the UAF campus; and

Whereas, the loss of year-round childcare would have a disproportionate and negative impact on women, especially their recruitment, professional development, and retention; and

Whereas, childcare in Fairbanks is in critically short supply and the closing of Bunnell House during summers will add to the growing crisis; and

Whereas, Bunnell House has an experienced and knowledgeable permanent staff who will be unlikely to be retained if Bunnell House is closed during summer; and

Whereas, Faculty Senate/Staff Council affirms that providing on-campus childcare is critical to recruiting and retaining excellent faculty, staff, students, and administrators; and

Whereas, Faculty Senate believes the University should provide a family-friendly environment, including family-friendly policies; now