President John Bardo's message on state budget cuts affecting Wichita State University
I know there are many questions about the impact of last month's state budget reduction on Wichita State, as well as the one we're facing for the 2017 fiscal year, beginning July 1.
This message is to share what we know and what we expect going forward. At the conclusion of this message are answers to Frequently Asked Questions and the opportunity for you to offer additional suggestions or questions.
In early March, each of the Kansas Regents universities was ordered by Gov. Brownback to reduce State General Fund spending for the current fiscal year by 3 percent. WSU's share of that was $2.2 million.
On Wednesday the State's Consensus Revenue Estimating Group delivered more bad news. For the remainder of fiscal year 2016, state revenues are expected to be $93.9 million below the November estimate, while fiscal year 2017 estimates are now $134.7 million below previous projections.
At the same time the revised revenue projections were released, the governor, through his budget director, outlined three options to address the shortfall.
The first two options include a 3 percent reduction to our 2017 State General Fund spending funding, or another $2.2 million. The third option called for a 5 percent reduction to our 2017 SGF funding, or $3.7 million.
In addition, every 11 years all state agencies are required to budget for a 27th pay period because of the way the calendar falls. This is an additional $2.4 million challenge to 2017 budget development.
Although the outcome won't be final until the Legislature reconvenes and has a chance to act, we are assuming a reduction of about 5 percent in State General Funds for fiscal year 2017.
The campus wide budget development process for 2017 kicks off on Monday with training for budget officers. Ultimately vice presidents and deans will make budget decisions. It is also possible that legislative action between now and the end of May could alter the 2017 budget picture.
Although these are difficult times, we will continue to position the university to grow enrollment by delivering great educational, career and life value to students who choose Wichita State.
We will weather whatever occurs at the state level. And all of us on the executive team remain committed to avoiding layoffs or furloughs.
There should be no doubt that the greatest strength of this university is its people. Thank you for your continued contribution to our academic community and for confronting the uncertainty of state actions with purpose, confidence and resourcefulness. If you have detailed questions about your unit's budget, please refer them to your dean, director or vice president.
We will continue to monitor the state budget and keep you up to date as we learn more.
Go to http://www.wichita.edu/j/?4743 for the Frequently Asked Questions.
John Bardo
President