By RACHEL EMERSON
Asst. News Editor
Northwestern expected another 2% cut in state appropriations, but saw double that after February tax collection numbers were worse than expected.
In a press conference last week, University President, Dr. Janet Cunningham said that the university would see another cut in state appropriations. At that time, she had expected the cut to be another 2% decrease.
However, on March 3, she announced to faculty and staff that the state’s budget office is requesting that all agencies, including Northwestern, cut an additional 4% from the current year’s budget.
Since this amount is double what the university expected, Cunningham said that additional steps will be taken to effectively manage the university’s budget through the remainder of the fiscal year.
In addition to reducing traveling and operating expenses, Cunningham said that only purchases that are essential to the educational mission of the University are going to be approved. Eight open positions will remain unfilled for the time being.
Cunningham said that the main focus moving forward is to lessen the direct impact on students as much as possible and to protect the mission of the university, which is to provide quality education. She is asking that all staff and faculty become retention specialists in the classroom.
Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Bell, said he believes that Northwestern is doing what it needs to do for retention, which is providing a solid education for the students. He said the heart of retention is connection with the students.
“We’ve been proactive in determining what is essential or critical,” said Bell.
The school of arts and sciences still actively recruits through theatre, band, robotics, choir, etc.
Cunningham said that she is going provide as much information to the faculty and staff as possible.
She also said that the university plans to move forward with projects that are funded by charity funds, which cannot be used in other areas of the university.
The projects include the new Doctoral of Nursing Practice program, the renovation of Coronado Hall and the continued fundraising for the renovation of Herod Hall Auditorium and the mall.
Cunningham said that the university has a strong plan moving forward that it will continue to look at all opportunities to reduce expenses and enhance revenue.
“I remain confident that by working together we will weather these challenging times and emerge as a stronger institution,” said Cunningham.
Cunningham is asking that staff or faculty email her with any ideas or suggestions on other ways the university could save money.