Dr. Jon Quistgaard
2009/02/20
Bits and pieces of information continue to emerge from St. Paul regarding the budget situation. The Governor recently announced the projected state budget shortfall for 2010-2011 is likely to increase from $4.8 billion to between $6 and $7 billion. The federal stimulus package signed by President Obama will likely provide at least some short-term relief to Minnesota's growing deficit.
The other important news this past week was the announcement that a tentative agreement was reached between the IFO and MnSCU Board of Trustees on a two-year contract settlement. The tentative agreement freezes salary increases and annual steps for a two-year period while maintaining current contract language. MnSCU administrative salary increases and performance raises have already been frozen indefinitely.
The next important budget information scheduled to be released by the state will be the annual February budget forecast. This information typically is released in early March and will be important to our decision making. Watch for information on upcoming campus budget forums.
The final fall semester enrollment head count was about 5 percent higher than last year's final fall count. The credit load was down slightly, but within the projected margin. Early spring semester numbers reflect another increase in the University's headcount similar to the fall count.
The University may receive some stimulus dollars to be directed at Higher Education Asset Preservation and Renewal (HEAPR) projects.
The price for natural gas has dropped, which should enable the University to lock in a substantial portion of our need at a lower price.
Thank you to those who have already submitted budget suggestions via the website. Your ideas on steps that could be taken to help address the University's budget shortfall are appreciated. From the suggestions submitted so far, several themes appear to be emerging related to energy efficiency, salary savings, early incentive opportunities, and efficiencies.
This list of suggestions is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, the items are representative of the topics mentioned most frequently in the web submissions.
Please continue sharing your ideas on ways in which the University could meet its current budget challenge by filling out and submitting the the suggestion form.
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