Elson S. Floyd, Ph.D. - 4/30/09
Preliminary Budget Plan
Friday we will release specific details of our preliminary budget plan in response to a $54.2 million overall reduction in state funding for the 2009-2011 biennium. This is the largest reduction in the history of Washington State University. It is based, in part, on an anticipated tuition increase of 14 percent, which was used by the Legislature to build its budget for higher education in the state. The Board of Regents will consider this increase at its meeting next week.
Our single highest priority is to preserve the investment that every taxpayer of the state of Washington has already made in WSU. We must maintain the quality and excellence of our teaching and research programs. To do otherwise would diminish the value of the education our current students receive, the degrees our graduates have earned from this remarkable university, and the financial investments that you and so many others have made through your philanthropy.
Eroding quality is fundamentally unacceptable, and as a consequence, we have chosen to make vertical cuts in a very strategic way throughout the university rather than across-the-board horizontal reductions. Unfortunately, a number of programs, services, and personnel will be impacted by this budget reduction.
I recognize that some of these programs are strongly backed by various constituency groups. But, particularly in difficult budget times, hard choices must be made. We cannot be all things to all people; we must focus on and build upon our strengths. In doing so, we will need your assistance, understanding and support.
This is difficult work by any measure; however, I have the fiduciary obligation to balance our budget and maintain excellence in all that we do across our four campuses and throughout the state.
In keeping with our strategic approach to making vertical cuts, preliminary budget reductions range from zero to $3.3 million for departments across the WSU system. I am also making cuts in the Athletics Department even though it does not receive state funding. We will cut both vacant and currently filled positions which can no longer be financially supported. We will encourage input on this budget plan through the month of May with an eye toward finalizing it June 1.
These are truly difficult times. I wish you all well.
