In the President’s Update for March 16, 2015, California State University, Stanislaus’ president Joseph F. Sheley has stated that the university’s budget will be facing challenges for 2015-2016.
The University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC) is beginning to look at the current situation and assess what can be done. With this, the university recognizes there will not be much new funding for the upcoming year.
“I have asked UBAC and the Vice Presidents to examine the balance in our expenditures between ongoing state funding and reserves,” President Sheley said in his update. “Little or no new state funding is coming our way, and Prop 30 relief begins to sunset in a year.”
As of now, much of CSU Stanislaus’ budget goes towards employee compensation. While it has increased, the employees are top priority.
“Although our campus budget has increased relative to that of the past several years, most of the added funding must go to mandatory cost increases such as health and retirement benefits and compensation for employees,” Michelle Legg, University Budget Manager, said. “Any funding for enrollment growth will go toward additional class sections.”
UBAC and the Vice Presidents of the university are working together to examine the budget. With this, they will determine the best way to put it to use.
“Against this backdrop, I have asked UBAC and the Vice Presidents to examine the balance in our expenditures between ongoing state funding and reserves…” President Sheley said. “We must budget conservatively and approach our financial obligations[…]”
As of now, the top concern for the university and their budget is to make sure they keep all programs and staff to satisfy students.
“Our primary concern is to begin planning now to ensure we can maintain excellent programs and protect the employees we currently have who give our students their best each and every day,” Legg said.
The next few weeks will be set aside for budget talks at CSU Stanislaus. UBAC and the Vice Presidents will work together to answer any questions and seek advice throughout divisions.
“We want to enter 2015-16 with the confidence that comes from understanding well our assets, our commitments, and our challenges.”