UA President Shelton Shares Thoughts About Budget With Campus
UA President Robert N. Shelton informed the campus community about the approved 2008-2009 budget.
University of Arizona President Robert N. Shelton released a memorandum to the campus community today detailing information about the budget that has been approved for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.
Shelton also explained how campus officials were addressing issues related to the UA's share of the $50 million reduction to the state system of higher education.
The memo reads:
"The cut to the system is much less than might have been expected, and it is extremely important to note that the Governor and key legislators worked with great determination to limit cuts to higher education despite a record deficit for the state. I believe this reflects the importance that higher education plays in the state's future. We are most grateful for the support that the Governor and Legislature have demonstrated with this appropriation.
"The exact dollar amount being applied to The University of Arizona will not be known until action by the Arizona Board of Regents. As soon as we receive that information, we will communicate to the UA community how that reduction will affect our budget.
"A critical component of the budget package was the inclusion of the Stimulus Plan for Economic and Educational Development (SPEED), a $1 billion economic stimulus plan that will allow us to begin work immediately on construction projects that will greatly enhance our ability to serve the state.
"As the state's deficit projection worsened over the past few months, we were well-served by the dedicated efforts of budget executives across campus who exercised both the fiscal prudence and good planning I had asked them to undertake in January. That work has put us in position to be able to address the short-term budget challenge before us.
"I remain tremendously optimistic about our long-range future. Fundamental to our success will be fidelity to our strategic vision. Our intent, as much as possible, is to align the University's resources with the strengths and priorities that have been identified in the Strategic Plan developed by the Strategic Planning & Budget Advisory Committee (SPBAC). That plan supports the value of differential cuts, based on the University's priorities for the coming years. In addition to differentiated cuts by college and other units, it is also necessary -- in this limited resource environment - for the colleges and units to consider whether all of the programs currently funded are fully justified. That process takes time and must be handled carefully with considered and timely input from faculty and staff, but it is a necessary component of the prioritization of our strategic objectives, which is what underpins our budget allocations. I am grateful to former Provost Eugene Sander and the Faculty Senate, who in consultation with SPBAC, undertook the deliberative discussion to review our reorganization procedures that will guide how we engage in these critical decisions.
"In a perfect world, we would have all the funding we need for everything we'd like to pursue. That not being the case, we intend to continue working with the deans and vice presidents to make the necessary cuts in a strategic and thoughtful manner. The overarching goal will be to keep our academic portfolio as strong and vibrant as possible, and to maintain the excellent student experience that has come to mark a University of Arizona education.
"Cuts within the colleges and major budget units will be appropriately shared by the deans and vice presidents with all faculty and staff of the college or unit as the cuts become finalized. We will also continue to communicate to the entire campus as more detailed information becomes available. Provost Hay and I will also be conducting a series of town hall meetings on campus in the fall. It is our hope that these conversations will allow us to address specific questions that any of you might have.
"Despite the very real economic challenges faced by the state, the overall health of our University is strong. The next year or so will be tough, but economists are projecting dramatic growth and economic vitality in the decade ahead. The improving economic situation will most certainly generate growth in state revenue, which leaves me genuinely optimistic about the UA's long-term budget prospects. In the short-term, we will need to work cooperatively to meet the challenge of the coming year. I am confident we will be successful in that effort."
In closing, Shelton wrote, "I appreciate and rely on your continued support."
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