Ohio University President Robert Glidden said new funding will be devoted to athletics, technology, diversity, air travel, out-of-state student recruiting, Alden library and reserve funds in fiscal year 2005. Glidden outlined budget resources and expenditures in an open meeting for students last night.
The total increase will be almost $5.5 million. The largest portion will go toward technology, which will be paid for by a 2 percent increase in technology fees for students. The fees will pay for a new student information system and wireless services across campus.
Increases in intercollegiate athletics and library funding are also significant, at $500,000 each.
We spend $3 million less than Miami
and they have fewer sports Glidden said. I feel guilty because I have not done enough in that budget area.
Funding was increased after complaints from the Board of Trustees, Glidden said.
Library spending will be used for the renovation of the second floor, which will be open 24 hours at least six days a week.
Budget cuts for next year will total $3.25 million, despite a 9 percent proposed tuition and fees increase. This number is considerably lower than what was originally projected because of healthcare savings, higher investment returns, a decreased workforce due to early retirement incentives and mandated reductions in printing, meetings and entertainment across campus. The average reduction in each academic unit is 1.7 percent.
While that's not perfect I feel pretty good about it because it's less than half of what was cut last year
Glidden said.
Glidden said that tuition and fees, as opposed to state funding in the past, now make up the largest portion of university income. The state has decreased funding this year by almost $3 million.
In making budget decisions
we have to understand that resources are finite
Glidden said. We just have to live with whatever resources we have. He added that state funding was cut another $600,000 last week.
Glidden said the university must maintain its commitment to top priorities such as a strong vision for the future, protection of the university's strengths, maintaining attractiveness and providing adequate health and safety for all students.
The projections for fiscal years '06 and '07 call for prudent management
he said.
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