2008 Woodie Awards
Adams expects tuition to increase, but no layoffs
HAYLEY PETERSON
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: News
University President Michael Adams said in a budget-related forum Friday that he expects tuition rates to increase, but he does not foresee layoffs or salary cuts.
He estimated it should take "six to 12 months to work through this situation."
He spoke to about 200 people who were gathered in the Georgia center to hear his explanation of the recent budget cuts. About 95 percent of the attendees were nonstudents.
Adams began the discussion by defending the state's role in the University's financial situation.
"I don't care what your politics are, but the governor and board of regents support us," he said. "It is unfair to say they don't."
He referenced a slideshow that delineated where the state was making other cuts, including $164 million to the funds for K -12 education.
"This number speaks to the seriousness of what we're dealing with," he said.
He listed some of the places the University had decided to make cuts, which included $126,000 to the Student Learning Center by eliminating 24/5 operation, $100,000 to the Student Learning Centers computer and IT support, $1.06 million to the physical plant by cancelling certain projects, $50,000 to the police department by reducing overtime by 20 percent, and $560,000 to the library by cancelling 21 percent of subscriptions.
Adams also congratulated University students on eliminating water and electricity costs, noting that consumption has been reduced by 20 percent over the last 10 years.
However, the budget falls $13.7 million short on meeting energy costs for 2009, considering energy rates have more than doubled since 2003.
The University is also short $6.1 million in health care costs, a deficit that is expected to rise to $13.2 million by 2010.
"This is the Regent's plan, not ours," said Tim Burgess, senior vice president for finance and administration. "The benefits structure for this year will be roughly the same. And your premiums will go up with the rest of the country's."
He estimated it should take "six to 12 months to work through this situation."
He spoke to about 200 people who were gathered in the Georgia center to hear his explanation of the recent budget cuts. About 95 percent of the attendees were nonstudents.
Adams began the discussion by defending the state's role in the University's financial situation.
"I don't care what your politics are, but the governor and board of regents support us," he said. "It is unfair to say they don't."
He referenced a slideshow that delineated where the state was making other cuts, including $164 million to the funds for K -12 education.
"This number speaks to the seriousness of what we're dealing with," he said.
He listed some of the places the University had decided to make cuts, which included $126,000 to the Student Learning Center by eliminating 24/5 operation, $100,000 to the Student Learning Centers computer and IT support, $1.06 million to the physical plant by cancelling certain projects, $50,000 to the police department by reducing overtime by 20 percent, and $560,000 to the library by cancelling 21 percent of subscriptions.
Adams also congratulated University students on eliminating water and electricity costs, noting that consumption has been reduced by 20 percent over the last 10 years.
However, the budget falls $13.7 million short on meeting energy costs for 2009, considering energy rates have more than doubled since 2003.
The University is also short $6.1 million in health care costs, a deficit that is expected to rise to $13.2 million by 2010.
"This is the Regent's plan, not ours," said Tim Burgess, senior vice president for finance and administration. "The benefits structure for this year will be roughly the same. And your premiums will go up with the rest of the country's."
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