| The AU Board of Trustees recently approved the university budget for
fiscal years 2006 and 2007. Since the budget
covers two fiscal years, it will be reviewed
by the Board at mid-point in the two-year
cycle in case adjustments need to be made
in light of changing conditions.
The budget is the outcome of an inclusive,
collaborative process involving the University
Council, Faculty Senate, and President’s
Cabinet. Because the budget has become increasingly
complex with multi-year strategic initiatives,
we have increased communication through
town hall meetings and open forums. This
has encouraged broad participation and consultation,
and helped the community understand the
budget process.
While continuing to increase student quality
and selectivity, we have budgeted freshmen
and transfer enrollments at 1,325 and 375
respectively. Graduate and law school enrollments
are budgeted slightly higher than this year.
Washington Semester and non-degree students
are budgeted at reasonable levels.
Consistent with the 15-Point Plan, this
budget provides for:
• increased full-time faculty;
• reduced teaching loads and adjunct
faculty;
• competitive faculty-staff salaries
and benefits;
• enhanced academic programs;
• expanded faculty research through
Presidential Fellowships;
• new sources of revenue;
• increased library materials;
• increased financial aid;
• improved student health facilities
and services;
• fully operational Katzen Arts Center;
• expanded global operations through
the Office of International Affairs;
• increased technology commitments,
including membership in Internet2, IT security
initiatives, website management services,
hardware and software maintenance increases;
• increased external expenses, such
as utilities and health insurance; and
• continued financial safeguards through
the tuition reserve and the quasi-endowment
transfer to fund strategic priorities.
The provost and vice presidents will continue
to find ways to share resources across divisions
and realize additional cost savings—including
increasing operating efficiency, consolidating
services, eliminating overlapping positions,
outsourcing appropriate services, reallocating
internal resources, increasing the use of
management technology, and eliminating operations
and services not consistent with the 15-Point
Plan.
For fiscal year 2006, there will be a 6.3
percent increase in undergraduate, graduate,
and law school tuition rates, and a 5 percent
increase in residence hall rates. For fiscal
year 2007, there will be a 6 percent increase
in undergraduate, graduate, and law school
tuition rates, and a 5.5 percent increase
in residence hall rates. These increases
are necessary to maintain a balanced budget
while making needed improvements and implementing
the 15-Point Plan.
I am grateful to all who participated in
the budget process and I’m confident
that the FY2006-7 budget will enable the
university to make significant advances
in realizing its strategic goals.
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