Dear University of Maryland Family

[Cyrus]

Dear University of Maryland Family:

On Wednesday, July 22, the Board of Public Works approved Governor
O'Malley's recommended cut of $281 million from the State's FY10 budget
that started on July 1, 2009. My goal here is to inform you about the
effect of that reduction on the University of Maryland.

Of the State's reduction, $37.8 million will be taken back from the
University System of Maryland, and our share of this reduction is $14.5
million, with $6.8 million to come from our base budget and $7.7 million
coming from fund balances. The Baltimore Sun reported that the Governor
will bring an additional $420 million or greater reduction to the Board
of Public Works before Labor Day, and that it will target State employee
compensation among other reductions. Regrettably, the State's finances
have worsened from those used to prepare its FY10 budget. The Director
of Policy Analysis for the State Department of Legislative Services
projects the State budget shortfall will increase to $1.5 billion in
FY11 when federal stimulus funds will no longer be provided. Our campus
must respond right away to the July 22 recall and begin preparation for
the probable additional reductions for FY10.

Over the last two fiscal years, FY08 and FY09, we have been buffeted by
base funding cuts of $12.6 million plus one-time cuts, including
furloughs, of $21.4 million. Our FY10 State General Fund budget began
this fiscal year at about $420 million. However, that budget was not
sufficient to meet our mandatory obligations. Our necessary response
was a 2.5% ($12.1 million) base reduction in the campus working budget.
That initial base shortfall has now risen to $18.9 million for FY10
because of the July 22 base cut.

Given these budget reductions over the past two years, there are no
excess funds in our budget and cuts must be made. Cuts will not be
taken "across-the-board." We will be guided to the extent possible by
the priorities of our strategic plan and by our goal to strengthen our
core mission. It is prudent to re-institute an immediate hiring
freeze. Instructions on its implementation have been sent to the Vice
Presidents. Some reduction in our workforce is likely through hiring
restrictions, retirements and other separations. These can be
remarkably and personally painful for us all. When they occur, we will
seek to treat members of our community with dignity and respect through
any transition. Time is needed to redesign operations so that they can
continue to provide the services needed.

Great... anyone else in Academia getting such emails?

 

[Pengwuino]

Yes, what's your whining about this time?

 

[Math Is Hard]

Yep. Getting furlough days here.

 

[lisab]

In Washington state, we have a *wonderful* program called Running Start. High school juniors and seniors can take college-level courses at any community college, and get credit for high school and college at the same time. And the state picks up the tab!

A kid who is motivated and bright can graduate from high school with 2 years of fully transferable college credit already earned. Cutting the cost of a college education in half is a huge benefit for low income families.

My daughter is in the program - she loves it.

Well, we just got notice that now a lot of fees won't be covered anymore. This won't be a problem for us, but there are a lot of families who won't be able to participate in this program. Such a loss, and it's hardest for kids who can least afford it.

 

[junglebeast]

Great... anyone else in Academia getting such emails?

You're not the only one. I'm a grad student with less than a year to go on my PhD and as a result of this stuff I've just lost funding, health insurance, and tuition coverage.

 

[cristo]

You're not the only one. I'm a grad student with less than a year to go on my PhD and as a result of this stuff I've just lost funding, health insurance, and tuition coverage.

That's pretty stupid; how do they justify doing such a thing? A year's grad student funding is hardly going to save the university much!

 

[junglebeast]

That's pretty stupid; how do they justify doing such a thing? A year's grad student funding is hardly going to save the university much!

Yup...and other ways they are trying to cut costs are by paying TA's less and removing journal subscriptions from the library. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot to save a PENNY. At the same time they are still wasting millions on construction of new campus buildings and hiring of people with over 350k salaries.

 

[Math Is Hard]

You're not the only one. I'm a grad student with less than a year to go on my PhD and as a result of this stuff I've just lost funding, health insurance, and tuition coverage.

That's terrible! I am really sorry to hear that. Are you taking out loans to finish up?

 

[maverick_starstrider]

I'm at a Canadian university but every month or so I get a "state of the proverbial union" type address about the universities financial situtation. Fortunately, my university seems to be taking the tact of plowing their way, more or less, through the recession and has not announced any pay or funding cuts and, as of yet, no hiring freeze. This could be a collosal oversight or a really good idea. Like so many things, only time will tell.

 

[junglebeast]

That's terrible! I am really sorry to hear that. Are you taking out loans to finish up?

I'm still juggling a couple alternatives, but that's a probable one

 

[maverick_starstrider]

You're not the only one. I'm a grad student with less than a year to go on my PhD and as a result of this stuff I've just lost funding, health insurance, and tuition coverage.

Are you under or over 4 years in the program?

 

[junglebeast]

Are you under or over 4 years in the program?

This will be my 4th year, why do you ask?

 

[Pengwuino]

Yup...and other ways they are trying to cut costs are by paying TA's less and removing journal subscriptions from the library. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot to save a PENNY. At the same time they are still wasting millions on construction of new campus buildings and hiring of people with over 350k salaries.

Well you got to consider how new buildings were probably years in planning and already under financial obligations and people who get thta kind of insane salaries might be bringing in a whole mess of money into the university. Kinda like cutting the finger off to save the hand. At my university, our department had to lay off every lecturer save 2. It does make one wonder what were these universities doing when times were good and money was flowing in. Hell a few years ago, the president of our university was raving and going on and on about how we're going to have the biggest class ever and they were so proud and everything was going great. This is a california state university so I don't think I need to remind anyone of the situation as of right now.

 

[maverick_starstrider]

This will be my 4th year, why do you ask?

Well I though universities guaranteed funding for the first 4 years. Then you are potentially on your own.

 

[negitron]

Yes, what's your whining about this time?

Honestly, are these baiting posts truly necessary? I sure hope not because they are REALLY getiing on my nerves. We get it, you don't like Cyrus--we ALL get it. Seriously, please, cut it out; what are you, 12? Just ignore him if you feel you must.

 

[Cyrus]

Honestly, are these baiting posts truly necessary? I sure hope not because they are REALLY getiing on my nerves. We get it, you don't like Cyrus--we ALL get it. Seriously, please, cut it out; what are you, 12? Just ignore him if you feel you must.

He's in love with me, but doesn't realize the feelings are not mutual (It's because he's an illegal alien). You'll have to excuse pengwunio, he's a jerk.

 

[cristo]

Honestly, are these baiting posts truly necessary?

Pengwuino is joking; it's their "thing."

 

[Pengwuino]

He's in love with me, but doesn't realize the feelings are not mutual (It's because he's an illegal alien). You'll have to excuse pengwunio, he's a jerk.

just kidding. why did you make this thread anyways, i thought you're still in junior high.

Pengwuino is joking; it's their "thing."

Yes, we've destroyed many-a-threads with our wonderful back and forth intellectual conversations.

 

[negitron]

Pengwuino is joking; it's their "thing."

I thought jokes were supposed to be funny.

 

[maverick_starstrider]

I thought jokes were supposed to be funny.

A common misconception.

 

[Pengwuino]

A common misconception.

We're like British humOUR.

 

[Cyrus]

http://69.13.97.211/t-shirt-designs/prodimages/2006081614302570.jpg

 

[junglebeast]

We're like British humOUR.

That's actually funny ;)

 

[Dadface]

I really enjoy the sparring between Pengwuino and Cyrus.One of the best comedy double acts on the net.I wonder if they would be prepared to go for three, three minute rounds in the ring.

 

[Cyrus]

Yet more bad news

With the national recession continuing to weaken Maryland's fiscal
situation, the Board of Public Works today approved Governor Martin
O'Malley's recommended cut of $454 million to the state's FY 2010
budget. The University System of Maryland's share of the reduction
includes a transfer of $20 million from our fund balance to the state.
It also includes a $10 million reduction to our state-appropriated
funds, which will require eliminating vacant positions as well as
decreasing funds for facilities renewal, student financial aid, and
student services.

In addition, the statewide budget action includes temporary salary
reductions (for FY 2010 only) for state employees. For USM, this action
totals $26 million, which we will accomplish through a tiered furlough
plan and other salary adjustments. While we are still formulating
details, I am confident that our actions will mirror the approach we
took last year to mitigate the impact on employees at lower salary levels.

This latest round of cuts to our FY 2010 budget, following the $37.7
million reduction announced last month, brings USM's total FY 2010
reduction to nearly $94 million.

Fortunately, state officials have granted USM flexibility in handling
the reductions. Our ability to use our fund balance, while maintaining
it at a level needed to protect our financial stability, is allowing the
university system to mitigate somewhat the impact of the reductions.

However, there is no escaping the fact that these cut -- especially the
temporary salary reductions and decreases in student aid -- come at a
very difficult time for our employees and the students we serve. While
we understand that the university system must share in the sacrifices
being made statewide, these reductions will be painful for individuals
and a challenge for the entire university system as we work to advance
access, affordability, and excellence.

Please know that the USM Board of Regents and leaders across the system
appreciate all that you do on behalf of the state's public higher
education system. Your dedication and commitment have helped to position
USM as a national model of excellence, effectiveness, and efficiency. As
a community, we will get through these tough economic times.