As part of the Multi-Year Compensation Initiative launched in 2023, the university will soon review a comprehensive analysis and recommendations for the LMU Children’s Center (LMUCC). This report, prepared by the Initiative’s Benefits Subcommittee, will address sustainability and equity solutions within the broader context of faculty and staff benefits. Contrary to rumors and social posts, LMU affirms that the Children’s Center will not be closed without warning nor is there a plan to repurpose the current space for Athletics or other uses.
Background
The Multi-Year Compensation Initiative is supported by three subcommittees comprised of diverse faculty and staff, to achieve its goals. In July 2024, the Benefits Subcommittee expanded its scope to evaluate the LMUCC and added three subject-matter experts to its membership:
- Ani N. Shabazian, Ph.D., LMUCC director and professor of teaching and learning
- Máire B. Ford, Ph.D., professor of psychology, associate vice provost for faculty development
- Trevor Wiseman, vice president for operations.
The revised subcommittee was tasked with developing long-term recommendations for the LMUCC and comprehensive childcare benefits for eligible faculty and staff. This work includes collecting and analyzing data such as enrollment trends, financial analyses, community feedback, best practices, and benchmarks from peer institutions. Additionally, their charge includes:
- Providing recommendations through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion;
- Evaluating construction recovery costs within the LMUCC model;
- Ensuring LMUCC operates within a break-even model;
- Delivering evidence-based recommendations informed by analyzed data.
At this time, no reports or proposals have been presented. University leaders anticipate receiving the subcommittee’s guidance in the coming weeks. As part of its outreach efforts, the subcommittee is conducting a community survey, one component of its data-gathering process.
Next Steps
Following the submission of the report, the university anticipates further analysis, discussions with the subcommittee, and potential requests for additional information or subsequent reports. Broader childcare benefits will also be examined. This phased and deliberate approach will ensure a thorough evaluation of LMUCC’s future in alignment with LMU’s commitment to its faculty, staff, and their families.
The university recognizes the LMUCC is a valued benefit, currently serving 93 families — 34 from the LMU community and 59 from the local community. Please visit the LMUCC for further information. Questions about the Multi-Year Compensation Initiative should be directed to CompInitiative@lmu.edu.
