On Tuesday, December 16th, I had the opportunity to tour the Governor’s residence in Madison. As part of the “Governor’s Executive Residence Ornament Project,” the tour included six trees decorated with ornaments representing different organizations in the state. One tree included ornaments representing institutions of higher education. I’ve attached several pictures of the copper and sterling silver UW-Whitewater ornament, which was designed and created by student, Amy Owens.
On December 3rd, I held an open forum on the budget to bring the campus up to date on the status of the state budget for 2008-2009 and for 2009-2011. As you are aware, the state is facing projected revenue shortfalls for the 2008-2009 budget and for the 2009-2011 budget. I have attached a video of the open forum for your information.
OPEN FORUM VIDEO http://www.uww.edu/marketingandmedia/media/budgetspeech.html
I have also enclosed a set of guidelines developed by the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee (SPBC) back in 2003 to help us deal with a budget shortfall at that time. I would ask that you look at the guidelines and make suggestions for improvement. I have also asked the SPBC members to look at the guidelines.
While specific plans cannot be made at this time, I would invite suggestions of new ways to do our work and to maintain or enhance quality, while doing so economically. If you have suggestions, please forward them to me.
Guiding Principles for Budget Cuts:
SPBC Recommendations
3/10/03
Our overall goal is to maintain and enhance Excellence in Education.
1. Take a long-term view, considering the overall good of the institution.
2. When principles conflict, consider first the long-term impact on the education of students.
3. Provide reasonable support for faculty/staff development and retention.
4. Take into account impacts on university accreditations.
5. Provide appropriate student services and maintain state and federally mandated services.
6. Distribute cuts reasonably across units/divisions/employee classifications.
7. Ensure that our administrative/ departmental organizational structures are effectively and efficiently designed to deliver required services and work to our customers, optimizing both cost and effort efficiencies.
8. Explore all options that allow for an array of course offerings that will result in a reasonable time to graduation, considering especially class size and accessibility.
9. Consolidate programs and services to avoid duplication of services while maintaining service to the constituents.
10. Consider outsourcing of services for cost-effectiveness.
11. GPR/PR shifts must be done while considering the impact on fee rates.
12. Continue facility, infrastructure, and asset capital renewal and maintenance, as necessary, with consideration of the health and welfare of the university community and the impact on future capital renewal.
13. Encourage revenue enhancement when consistent with mission and goals of the university.
14. Look for ways of addressing the one-time reduction with one-time funds.
