Confusion Surrounds Yeshiva’s Hiring Policy

by Jamie S. Hirsch

This past spring, Yeshiva officials implemented a University-wide hiring freeze for all new employees, save faculty and professors, which was to come under review June 30.  As of late, however, there has been ambiguity and disagreement among administrators as to the status – and extent – of this restrictive policy.

In an attempt to stave off a projected operating deficit of three million dollars, Yeshiva suspended the hiring of all new employees for non-essential positions in every department.  Approximately six months ago, Yeshiva higher-ups sent an email to the heads of every department informing them of the hiring freeze, a policy allegedly still in effect.

“The hiring freeze has been in effect for about six months as part of a wider balanced budget strategy that includes various types of operational cost reductions,” explained Peter Ferrara, Director of the Department of Communications and Public Affairs.

Contrary to Ferrara’s assertions, however, a recent spate of hirings – specifically in his department and in the Office of Student Services – has left some administrators questioning the existence of a true hiring freeze.

“My department was ordered not to hire anyone, even to fill positions that have recently opened up,” griped one irate administrator.  “My only question is, why, if there is truly a hiring freeze, do I see other departments hiring new employees?”

Additionally, some administrators are curious as to the true consequence of the hiring freeze.  “It’s unclear as to what the hiring freeze is exactly,” said Dr. John Fisher, Director of Enrollment Management.  “We were told that we can’t just hire someone, but rather, we must first go through a process,” which includes receiving permission from Vice President for Business Affairs, Dr. Sheldon Socol.  However, Fisher revealed, even before the hiring freeze took effect, it was necessary to go through an almost identical process.

“Over the last six months, the only major impact in the Enrollment Office was when Ryan Hyman left the Office of Admissions and we were asked to delay filling that position,” Fisher continued.  He noted, however, that the Office of Admissions was recently authorized to hire a replacement for Hyman.

Adding to the confusion, Dr. Morton Lowengrub, Vice President for Academic Affairs, avoided referring specifically to a hiring freeze, preferring instead to explain, “when it’s necessary, there’s room to hire people, as long as it can be justified.” This policy reinterpretation is primarily due to a mandate from the trustees requiring that Yeshiva officials find prudent ways to devise a balanced budget.

Indeed, Ferrara elucidated that there are exceptions to the hiring freeze.  It must be demonstrated that without the position, “a department or activity could not function adequately,” and the department must have an “essential and immediate impact on the University.”

Although Ferrara asserts that the hiring freeze – albeit with exceptions – does, in fact, exist, several administrators have been left in the dark regarding the intricacies of this policy.“It seems as though those departments which are more politically connected receive permission to hire new employees,” explained an administrator who requested anonymity.  “It has nothing to do with need, but rather it’s all about who has a more direct line to the top,” he said.

Recent University hirings include Norman Eisenberg, the new Deputy Director of the Department of Communications and Public Affairs; Dr. Efram Nulman, Senior University Dean of Students; and Andrew Lebowitz, Assistant Dean of Students.

Both Director of University Finances Bernard Pittinsky and members of Human Resources – the department charged with hiring new employees – refused numerous requests for comment.