Western Carolina University is getting ready for a serious tightening of the belt.
With an estimated $3.7 billion state of North Carolina revenue shortfall, WCU is preparing for a 15 percent cut in state funding for the 2011-12 fiscal year and for a 2.5 percent reversion of funding for the current fiscal year.
The 2.5 percent reversion instituted by N.C. Gov. Beverly Perdue means the loss of $2.16 million in WCU’s budget from the state this year. A 15 percent cut for next fiscal year’s budget would result in the loss of $12.9 million in state revenue for the university.
The budget discussion held yesterday, Jan. 31, in the FPAC , provided faculty, staff and students an opportunity to hear possible budget-reduction strategies from the university’s senior leadership team, and chance to give feedback and suggestions.
“For each of us individually and for the university community, these are very difficult times,” Bardo said. “However, during my more than 15 years of working with you, I have come to understand and have great respect for your capacities, resilience, compassion and willingness to take on difficult tasks. We will come through these tough times and maintain our focus on educating the people of North Carolina and supporting the recovery of this region.”
More information and updates on the budget visit the Chancellor’s budget website.
(A full report on Monday’s budget discussion will be posted soon.)
