Budget Cuts

This letter was sent to FAU students regarding budget cuts and what Pesident Brogan has planned for us on March 20, 2009:

"As Florida Atlantic University searches for ways to deal with the ongoing state budget crisis, it is important for all stakeholders in the University's future to be kept apprised of the evolution of the planning process. While I have never said that we will be able to find solutions that will please everyone, I have promised to make the budget-cutting process open, inclusive and transparent. This is a status report on the direction in which we are moving as we grapple with the most daunting financial challenge FAU has faced in its history. By the end of next year, the University will have sustained budget reductions of $45 million, a totally unprecedented financial situation.

My top priorities continue to be maintaining degree production and research capacity. To carry out necessary budget cuts while protecting these core functions, I have proposed that the following steps be taken.

- Workforce effectiveness: scrutinize the productivity of staff and faculty, and reduce the number of people serving in administrative positions
- Organizational efficiency: review all academic programs for their strategic viability, reduce and reorganize departments and colleges, and explore new organizational models
- Smart business practices: consolidate and reorganize support services on all campuses, maximize the use of contract services, and examine the federal stimulus package for benefits to FAU

On the subject of the stimulus, I would like to make clear that while we are looking forward to receiving money from this source, and we will certainly put it to good use, it will not constitute a long-term solution to our problems because it will be a one-time injection of funds. As far as we know, the stimulus will be directed toward areas such as research, construction and Pell Grants, but will likely have no effect on recurring expenses.

As painful as this whole process is, it presents us with a real opportunity to make a global assessment of FAU and decide how the University should be redesigned to best fulfill its mission in the future. We are committed to using this terribly difficult period to create a reorganized, redefined and re-energized Florida Atlantic University that will be an even more effective institution of higher education in the years ahead. Your input is most welcome. Please submit your ideas through the "Budget Q&A" link on the FAU homepage. We all must work together to shape tomorrow's FAU.

Frank T. Brogan '81
President"

I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOUR REACTION IS!!!!!!
How does this affect you?
What would you do if you were president?

T