Jul 28, 2015

FY 2016 Budget Update

Dear UNI Family,

The $5.1 million recurring appropriation increase for the University of Northern Iowa for FY 2016 is a welcome action by our legislators and governor and recognition of the disproportionate funding levels across the three Regents' universities. However, FY 2016 appropriations were $3.0 million less than the university's $8.1 million request for equity and inflationary funding.

During the process of considering the budget for the coming year, we met repeatedly with faculty and staff leaders to get their feedback on how to address the limitation in funding; in the end, the shortfall was addressed as follows:

  • funding was reallocated from division/departmental budgets

  • Professional and Scientific staff, academic leadership and institution officials have graciously accepted a postponement of their salary increases until January 1, 2016

  • contingency funds built into the budget were redirected

  • carry forward funds were carefully managed

  • a portion of our building repair allocation was redirected along with several other reallocations

I want to thank the university community, including Department Heads, Directors, Deans and many others, who provided guidance, feedback, and assistance in balancing the difficulties of a challenging budget while maintaining a high quality educational experience for our students.

During the budget development process, operational decisions were made with a strong focus and commitment to the following goals and priorities: provide an outstanding undergraduate educational experience; provide a premier teacher education program; and increase services to the citizens of the State of Iowa. In addition, the following guiding principles were applied to the process:

  1. maintain affordability and accessibility

  2. maintain academic mission to ensure program quality and timely graduation

  3. provide a safe campus for students and staff

  4. make strategic operational changes rather than traditional across-the-board cuts

Our university community continues to place students and learning first offering a unique and engaged educational experience that makes a difference across the state. I want to express my sincere appreciation for everyone's efforts in advancing our mission and strategic goals. As always, thank you for your hard work and support. Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Purple for Life

Bill Ruud
President