The University’s proposed FY 16 Budget is based on several guiding principles, the primary one being that the FY 16 budget be balanced utilizing with-in year generated funds. To achieve that balanced budget, a zero-based budget approach was used. Each and every position within the University had to be justified before being placed in the budget. All past expenditures for, and new requests for, capital items, computer equipment, computer software, recruitment, computer/data processing, institutional dues and memberships, insurance, licenses and permits, contracts (maintenance and otherwise), other and agreements were removed from individual accounts and placed in a category called “University General.” All FY 16 requests for these items will flow through the University General account to ensure that only necessary and essential purchases are made. This account will also be used to balance the budget when other in-year eliminations do not balance the budget.

To drive the strategic direction of the institution, the following strategic decisions by areas were made -

Given our mixed results with Academics with Attitude and the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of dollars, we have decided to go with an accelerated learning classes model. Results from pilot classes over the fall and spring have yielded good results. This decision has allowed for the elimination of developmental classes in Math and English - eliminating nine total positions in developmental education. Four additional positions in Literature, Language and Philosophy were eliminated due to this change.

Deleted all funds for consultants.

Defined job duties and responsibilities for coordinators and chairpersons are established. This will allow several coordinator positions to be eliminated and will reduce release time for certain chairpersons.

The position of Dean in all colleges was eliminated and a Dean of the University was added. Five positions were eliminated and one added. All chairs will now report into the Dean of the University. The Dean of the University will report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. All deans' offices were eliminated with personnel moved to other positions and office operating expenses eliminated.

The budget for adjuncts/overload has been removed from Academic Affairs to help drive a behavior toward full teaching loads and complete utilization of all full-time faculty members. Some adjuncts will be used, but each will require justification and prior approval.

Moved one faculty position from Education to Psychology. Elevated Chi Shen to Chair, Computer Science. Eliminated one position in Political Science. Added a new student staff writer position.