March 4, 2015
Message from President Schulz: University budget
Submitted by President Kirk Schulz
Following Gov. Brownback's allotment action last month, the University Budget Advisory Committee began work to provide options resolving a one-time gap of nearly $3.1 million for Kansas State University, including K-State Research and Extension and K-State Salina. The College of Veterinary Medicine will be responsible for finding one-time savings of $293,000.
The budget cuts were announced Feb. 5 by the governor to address a projected budget shortfall for the state as a result of lower than expected tax revenue.
Chaired by Provost and Senior Vice President April Mason, the committee thoroughly reviewed a variety of options. It was evident during the committee's work that implementing any of the suggested reductions, regardless of the nature of the reduction, would have a very significant impact on the operations of the university. This was even more apparent since the allotment action was implemented late in FY 2015.
Ultimately, I approved the committee's recommendation to reduce the special allocation to the Global Food Systems funding ($3 million) and realign expenditures within the Biosecurity Research Institute to leverage restricted use funding and save on general use dollars ($99,671).
While we recognize that any reduction will have serious implications for the university, make no mistake that K-State remains firmly committed to continuous improvement in the quality of life for all Kansans. This commitment includes a concerted focus on behalf of K-State Research and Extension to meet our university's land-grant mission.
Reducing the special allocation to Global Food Systems will create a delay in research, teaching and engagement opportunities for university faculty, staff and students. This action will not affect the funding of GFS Innovation Program grants, with the announcement of awards still scheduled for next month. Realigning expenditures within the Biosecurity Research Institute also will reduce funds available for research activities within the institute. However, these are one-time reductions, and we anticipate base funding will remain for these important initiatives in FY 2016 and FY 2017.
While this outcome is challenging, our academic and non-academic units can continue with staffing plans and operations for the remainder of the fiscal year. I appreciate the efforts of the committee, our Budget Office staff and all in the university family as we work together to move forward.
Any questions and comments regarding K-State's budget are welcomed at budget@k-state.edu.
Go 'Cats!
Kirk