The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved an operating budget Saturday for the 2002-2003 year. The regents also authorized NU President L. Dennis Smith, Ph.D., to set salary increases at 4 percent at UNMC.
Because of the vote taken Saturday, Dr. Smith also will be able to make additional budget decisions as necessary due to final determinations by the Legislature.
Currently, the Legislature is working to close a gap between revenues and expenses in the state budget. Last week, legislators forwarded an appropriations bill to Gov. Mike Johanns. The bill would cut $4.4 million from the university budget in 2002-2003, in addition to the $11.2 million that was cut during a special session in November. Gov. Johanns has until Tuesday to sign or veto the bill.
In upcoming days, legislators will consider another bill that would increase state revenues.
In other action Saturday, the regents approved changing the name of the department of cell biology and anatomy, to the department of genetics, cell biology and anatomy.
“This will increase the focus on campus on genetics by incorporating it into cell biology and anatomy,” said James Armitage, M.D., dean of the UNMC College of Medicine.
The new name more accurately describes the activities of the department. It also will broaden the campus research and education activities associated with genetics. Genetics research has been focused in the Munroe-Meyer Institute, but there has not been a focus for educational activities. The new department will provide a home for research and education in genetics at UNMC.
The department of anatomy has existed in the College of Medicine since 1916. The NU Board of Regents approved changing the name of the department to the department of cell biology and anatomy in 1992.
At Saturday’s meeting, the regents also:
- adjusted the title of William Berndt, Ph.D., from dean of graduate studies and research to dean of graduate studies in the Office of Graduate Studies. The research portion now falls under Thomas Rosenquist, Ph.D., vice chancellor for research.
- approved tuition rate increases as submitted in the university’s biennial budget request. At UNMC, those increases ranged from 4.3 percent to 10.1 percent for Nebraska residents.
- maintained the University Program and Facilities Fee (UPFF) for UNMC students at $127.50.
- discontinued the Dental Interdepartmental Area Graduate Program.