UW Budget Reduction Working Group Moves Forward

A working group of University of Wyoming administrators and representatives of faculty, staff and students is proceeding with a process to respond to state budget reductions.

Appointed by President Ed Seidel in the days before he took office July 1, the Budget Reduction Working Group (BRWG) has created multiple subgroups to contribute to the planning and execution of a budget reduction. Among the subgroup tasks: setting the stage for reviews of degree-granting units; dialogue with academic colleges; creation of a strategic priorities list; revenue enhancement; campus engagement; and development of a long-term vision for the university.

“We’re planning to do this with the least impact on students, our state and our employees as possible by seeking ways to be more efficient and effective,” says Interim Provost Anne Alexander, who co-chairs the BRWG with Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Neil Theobald.

Gov. Mark Gordon has directed a 10 percent reduction for the current biennium, or about $42 million, along with development of a plan for an additional 10 percent reduction. Actual reductions in the university’s budget are made by the UW Board of Trustees; a final plan could be presented to the board later this year.

While the BRWG and its subgroups are working on plans to deal with the reductions, they invite members of the UW community to submit ideas for savings and revenue enhancement. Input may be provided by going here on the Office of Academic Affairs website.

In addition to Alexander and Theobald, members of the BRWG are College of Business Dean David Sprott; College of Engineering and Applied Science Interim Dean Cameron Wright; College of Health Sciences Dean David Jones; College of Law Dean Klint Alexander; Department of Music Head Scott Turpen; Vice President for Research and Economic Development Ed Synakowski; Vice President for Student Affairs Kim Chestnut; Director of Athletics Tom Burman; Faculty Senate Chair Rudi Michalak; Associated Students of UW President Riley Talamantes; and Staff Senate Chair James Wheeler. Other deans and members of the president’s cabinet are restricting spending and contributing to the planning.