State budget cuts affect UF

November 1, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gov. Charlie Crist last week approved a reduced budget plan for the upcoming year.

The plan removes $22.1 million in recurring state funds from UF’s budget. It is a smaller cut than the university anticipated but remains a significant amount.

The university was prepared. Over the summer, departments tightened their belts to reduce spending by $26.9 million.

Even leaner years are forecast ahead for the state. Because of this uncertainty, the $4.8 million that was trimmed in excess of the newly approved budget will be set aside for now. At some point, the money will be reinvested in the university, though exactly what the money will be used for has yet to be determined.

UF’s budget cuts were partially offset with the approval of some one-time funds as well as a 5 percent tuition increase. Students will pay about $3.68 more per credit hour beginning in January. Some of this new revenue will be earmarked for need-based aid, a critical part of the university’s ongoing effort to recruit students who are the first in their families to attend college.

The budget bill also calls for tuition to rise each fall according to the consumer price index. And lawmakers approved a tool to help universities keep up with their growing computer and other high-tech needs. Universities have been authorized to charge students a technology fee of up to 5 percent per credit hour beginning in the Fall 2009.

Meanwhile, the Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s 11 public universities, is seeking clarification from the courts on the question of whether the Legislature or the Board has the authority to set tuition and fees.

On the UF campus, the Cost Reduction and Efficiency Task Force worked much of this semester with Huron Consulting to identify ways to trim costs and raise revenue. Some of the group’s first round of suggestions will be released soon.