ULM President Addresses Potential Cuts

The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s President says that no departments in particular have been targeted for cuts if a projected budget shortfall becomes reality. Nick Bruno says that every department will feel the pinch. And the President says that the university may have to increase class sizes to make up the funding gap.

 

The projected figure for reductions in state appropriations is $12.3 million.

 

President Bruno says that, if the proposed cut becomes a reality, there are few departments that could avoid being trimmed.

 

“Well, there’s probably no area that wouldn’t be impacted. Seventy percent of our current budget is personnel and benefits. So when you take out twelve million of approximately 79 million, you’re beginning to impact personnel in very significant way.”

 

ULM documents indicate that from 2009 to 2012 the university’s state appropriations have taken a hit of just over 48%. But during the same time frame, ULM’s self-generated revenue has gone up, making the total budget reduction a little more than 20% Still, if House Bill 1 becomes law in its current form ULM’s total loss of state funding is expected to reach 53% by next year.

 

President Bruno has ideas about how ULM might make up the shortfall.  

 

“Recruit more students, retain more students.”

 

The downside of that could involve stretching available instruction.

 

“We’re looking at larger classes, we’re looking at fewer classes because of the faculty to teach. But there’s only so much efficiencies you can do before you have to stop and maintain. The growth would have to stop.”

 

Dr. Bruno hopes legislators will reconsider the cuts before they are signed into law. The budget bill could see debate in the senate next week.