UNMC poised to handle budget shortfall

University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken today addressed the university’s budget situation in an e-mail to all NU employees.

In the e-mail, Milliken addressed issues such as:

• Universitywide tuition increases;
  
• Salaries;
  
• Funds for certain programs; and
  
• A budget shortfall that will be addressed by all four university campuses.

The shortfall will occur as a result of a 1.5 percent university budget increase for the 2009-2011 biennium, which was less than requested.

Employee forums June 17-18 Aside from UNMC’s budget, federal stimulus funding, a tobacco-free campus and the Thank ‘U’ program also will be discussed during forums for employees on Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18. The forums will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, in Room 3001 of the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education and at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, in the Durham Research Center auditorium. Speakers will include: Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D.; David Crouse, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and executive associate dean for graduate studies; Jayme Nekuda, Ph.D., director of the Employee Benefits and Work-Life Programs Division; and John Russell, assistance vice chancellor for Human Resources. Light refreshments will be served at the June 18 forum. That forum will be broadcast to locations in Lincoln, Kearney and Scottsbluff. Check UNMC Today for further updates.

While the shortfall will affect the medical center, Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., said UNMC is prepared to handle the deficit.

“This is not the first time the university has experienced a shortfall,” Dr. Maurer said. “We managed those situations successfully and we will do so this time as well.”

UNMC deans, directors and other campus leaders have worked hard to set up their operations to withstand this budget climate, said Don Leuenberger, vice chancellor for business and finance.

“Because of this work, UNMC is in a good position to continue forward during these difficult economic times,” Leuenberger said.

Leuenberger noted that UNMC officials have been alert to the state’s economic situation since last fall and have been in the process of making the necessary budget adjustments since that time.

In addition, the medical center has continued to pursue ways to generate additional funds by methods such as increasing federal support, clinical revenue and private donations, he said.

The medical center’s ability to secure monies apart from the state funds will be a strength as UNMC addresses the shortfall, said John Adams, Ph.D., assistant vice chancellor for budget and strategic planning.

“Our campus has long recognized the need to find financial resources beyond state general funds,” Dr. Adams said. “We are actively seeking resources that will sustain continued UNMC growth in targeted areas.”

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will meet Friday, June 12 to approve the 2009-10 budget, including state appropriations, tuition, other revenues and all major university expense categories.

The regents’ budget decisions will be discussed at UNMC employee forums, which will be held Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18.

Dr. Maurer said his optimism about UNMC remains strong.