University Response to State Budget Reductions

June 4, 2009 —

The University of Wyoming today announced its strategy to achieve the 10 percent budget cut announced by Gov. Freudenthal for Fiscal Year 2010.

To reach a 10 percent reduction, or $18.3 million, university officials combined reducing budgets with finding sources of revenue to replace some funds being cut from UW's state appropriation.

Among the strategies are cuts in spending in support budgets across the university, a hiring squeeze, staff layoffs and elimination or deferrals of some initiatives. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students has not been increased in four years. While it is already set for the 2009-2010 school year, increases in future years will be considered by the Board of Trustees.

"I didn't make any of these decisions lightly," UW President Tom Buchanan says. "To be sure, the budget reductions will require us to be more prudent in how quickly we implement university plans," Buchanan says. "But it is precisely these plans that must guide us through the months and years ahead. The people of Wyoming expect their only public university to exercise leadership in facing challenging times. I am confident we will meet these expectations and continue to merit the confidence of the residents of our state."

The University of Wyoming receives its state funding in the form of a block grant, which gives both the UW Board of Trustees and UW administrators flexibility to make budget decisions that preserve the university's core mission.

UW's budget reduction response is the result of a university-wide process that collected information from all colleges, all administrative groups and a number of other organizations, such as the Faculty and Staff senates.

"While operating with less state funding isn't a choice, how the university responds to lowered revenue expectations is," Buchanan says.  

To control spending going forward, Buchanan has implemented a hiring squeeze, under which vacant positions will be filled sparingly. Some administrative units and programs are being consolidated or eliminated. Under this plan, 45 positions will be eliminated, though none are instructional faculty.

"Loss of employment is a serious matter for the people affected, for their families and for the community. This is one of the most painful and difficult decisions I have made during my tenure as president. The decision was made only after careful consideration of UW's priorities," he says.

To see details of the budget response, visit www.uwyo.edu/president/outbox.

Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009