Dear Colleagues,
We are at an unprecedented point in the history of Florida. The state’s revenues are continuing to decline, the housing market is in a historic slump and the national economy is headed toward recession.
This situation comes at exactly the same time that UWF is on a very positive path—our enrollments (and tuition revenues) are up significantly, more students are selecting us as their top choice, students are achieving academically at record levels and faculty and staff are more successful than ever. In short, UWF has never been on a better course.
But because of the state’s budget decline, we are being forced to cut our budgets repeatedly. We have significantly reduced our expenditures, become more efficient and looked for every way possible to deal with reduced state support while still serving our students.
The point is that you have never been more successful at the same time the state has never been more challenged. Your success has made it possible to blunt some of the effects of the budget reductions.
Although we do not yet know the level of the budget cuts for 2008-2009, we expect them to be serious, possibly as much as 8 to 10 percent. Every economic indicator points to a difficult budget situation at the state level, which will in turn affect us. We expect to know more about the proposed level of the cuts for next year when the House and the Senate make their proposed budgets public, which should occur by mid-April. We will keep you updated as we learn more information.
I discussed the reasons for the state budget problem in my Town Hall Meeting Jan. 31. View the presentation online (PDF).
The university has developed a Budget Reduction FAQs Web site that addresses frequently asked questions regarding the state’s and UWF’s budget situation. I hope that you find it useful. We will continue to add to the list as issues arise and information becomes available. Our goal is to pass along important budget information to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for all you do for UWF.
John
