Straight Talk from the President - February 9, 2009
Dear Colleagues,
As I informed you earlier this semester, the Division of Administration through the University of Louisiana System Office asked us to identify the effects of a state appropriation reduction at ULM ranging between 15.8 and 28.5 percent. This represents a minimum reduction of $7,799,744 and a maximum reduction of $14,059,218.
On Friday, the University of Louisiana System revealed the cumulative impact on all eight institutions if these cuts were to be implemented. As is evident in the information released by the System, budget reductions in the 30 percent range will necessarily affect people and programs at all of the UL System campuses including ULM. However, we must remember: this is not what is going to happen; this is an estimate of what would happen on our System’s campuses if these reductions are written into next fiscal year’s appropriation bills.
I personally do not foresee budget cuts of this magnitude, as the aftermath would be too detrimental to ULM and disadvantageous to all of higher education in Louisiana. These numbers are preliminary and should be considered for planning purposes only. I have confidence in Governor Bobby Jindal and our legislative delegation; they understand the devastating implications of these proposed cuts, and I think they will find a more equitable way to balance next year's budget. However, we are complying with the request from the Division of Administration and the University of Louisiana System to develop scenarios for these reduction amounts.
Since we returned a few weeks ago, many, and quite possibly all of you, were asked to examine scenarios that would address the projected shortfall. Dr. Richters and our Deans are working with the faculty in the academic areas. The Faculty Senate has been instrumental in arranging opportunities for faculty to voice their opinions and concerns about many of the alternative scenarios being developed. Dave Nicklas, vice president for business affairs, and many staff members and administrative committees are examining the non-academic areas. We will engage our students by seeking their input regarding the fiscal situation. Over the next few weeks and months, we will continue to solicit your suggestions, explore alternatives, and analyze plans. Everyone will have the opportunity to contribute to the ultimate solution.
At this juncture, we do not know any final numbers, and there are no final plans. Thanks to our extensive pre-planning, we will be prepared to take action in July when final numbers are known. Any plans that we implement will be thoroughly vetted throughout our university. I can assure you that everyone involved in this planning bears in mind our commitment to preserving academic and institutional integrity so that every student graduating from ULM is fully-prepared to assume his or her role in society and demonstrate that his or her alma mater is committed to excellence.
If you have not been asked for your opinion or your ideas, or if you hear something that disturbs you, contact me. On the President’s “Straight Talk” page is a new section that allows you to submit a question or an idea or challenge a rumor. Let me hear from you. I assure you that you will continue to hear from me on this issue as facts become available.
James E. Cofer
President