A Message from the President
January 30, 2012 - Campus Budget Update
I hope everyone is off to a good start in the new semester and new year.
I am sure many are aware that recent news reports indicate a possible State budget shortfall for the 2012-2013 fiscal year of approximately $895 million. However, please remember we are very early in the budget development process for next fiscal year, so many details have not been finalized.
Some of the anticipated shortfall is the result of projected or requested increases in certain expenditure categories. The shortfall also likely reflects an assumption that one-time revenues used to balance the budget in the current fiscal year will not recur next year. More details about the State budget will be available once the Governor's Executive Budget is unveiled on February 9; however, specific appropriations to individual agencies, such as Southeastern, likely will not be certain until after the conclusion of the Legislative Session, which begins March 12 and ends June 4.
A significant component of our operating resources for 2012-13 will be self-generated revenues in the form of student tuition and fees. As you will recall, under the previously enacted GRAD Act legislation, our future increases in tuition are only authorized if we continue to meet certain performance expectations, in particular increases in student success measures. Additional tuition revenue next year will be critical, especially if the projected shortfall in State funds materializes and results in reduced State appropriations for higher education.
I continue to encourage all faculty and staff to focus their efforts on the success of our students. As always, I will share more information about the budget as details become available.