January 2009 Archives

TO: Members of the University Community

FROM: Gary D. Forsee, President

RE: Gov. Jay Nixon's public higher education proposal

Gov. Jay Nixon took bold action this morning in support of public higher education and acknowledged the need for higher education to be accessible and affordable, particularly in these challenging economic times. While the state faces a significant budget shortfall this year and will be challenged to build a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2010, the governor has agreed to limit the impact on higher education and students. For the FY10 budget, he will recommend funding at the 2009 level in exchange for higher education's agreement not to increase tuition and required fees.

Gov. Nixon's proposed budget and tuition pact with Missouri higher education goes against the national trend by ending the cycle of reductions in state support to higher education followed by increases in tuition. The Missouri General Assembly must now consider the governor's recommendation for the Fiscal Year 2010 budget.

By making this early decision, Gov. Nixon affords the university the opportunity to plan for today's challenging economic environment and gives a measure of predictability for 2010.

As we begin work on the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, we will continue to implement plans for cost controls and the workforce freeze will remain in place. We will continue to review how we go about the mission of delivering on teaching, research, service and economic development, keeping our eye on quality but with a mandate in place for efficiency and accountability for results to all of our constituents. I expect these reviews to continue as scheduled and actions to continue to roll out over the next several months.

Thank you all for your continuing commitment to the university. The governor's action today is an indication of the role that higher education must play in our state to be part of the solution during this economic crisis. We should all be proud that public higher education continues to be recognized as a great investment that pays long-term dividends to Missouri.

We will continue to keep you informed regarding the status of the university's budget and additional actions that will be required of us in the coming year. In the meantime, we continue to welcome your thoughts and suggestions for ways to achieve even greater efficiencies. Suggestions can be made online through our budget suggestion boxes.