SLU Budget Reduction Decisions
"The other side of the economy’s historic recession may be called “the new norm,” which means that higher education, among many business sectors, will not be the same again. The dials will be reset and many campuses will operate differently. Many already have put into place significant operating cost reductions, delays in building projects, salary freezes, and limited or halted personnel searches.
St. Lawrence’s financial situation is different only in degree, not in kind.
"Our outlook for the current year forecasts a deficit that we are working hard and with good will to reduce through innumerable economies; our operating budget for the next five years will give way in very large dimensions unless we plan now and take action soon.
"I have said throughout the semester, from remarks at Convocation to thoughts expressed at Inauguration, that St. Lawrence already knows a history of success over adversity and that through its own creative energy and spirit of sacrifice the better way will clear and our best days will lay ahead of us."
President William L. Fox
December 2, 2009
Over the last several years, the SLU budget has been cash-neutral, but growing in size supported by increased revenues from 5+% increases in comprehensive fees, a growing endowment, annual giving, and decreased discount rate. The current recession has decreased our endowment, limited annual giving, and put pressure upon us to increase the discount rate while limiting the comprehensive fee increases. We do not have the resources to run a cash-negative budget (i.e., the capacity for additional borrowing), nor is it prudent for the long-term health of the University to operate at a deficit. At our meeting in June 2009, the Board charged President Fox and the Senior Staff to bring forward a budget for FY 2011 and beyond that meets cash neutrality. Our expectation was an update at the October 2009 meeting, a draft proposal for the February 2010 meeting, and a final budget for approval at the May 2010 meeting. Given the continuing economic uncertainty, the Board intends to pursue this objective on the stated time frame.
SLU and the Recession: Complete information about 2009-2010 recession planning.
Recommendations of the Recession Reponse Planning Task Group
Employees who have new ideas can submit them through our new page IdeaConnect.
This site will track our decisions:
Budget Reduction Decisions
Eliminated 50 positions from exempt and hourly workforce, though 8 people ultimately lost their positions after bumping processes for bargaining unit employees was completed.
Effective July 1, 2010, the employee discount at Brewer Bookstore will remain 15% on books but be 10% on all other purchases.
We will continue to close the University between December 24 and January 1. However, the workdays that fall between December 26 and December 30 must be taken as vacation days (and thus deducted from your annual vacation allowance) or without pay if employees wish to retain vacation days for other times.
The University's health care plan will require 10% share contributions from those with single coverage, whereas in the past, no contribution was expected.
The Center for Teaching and Learning will continue as a project of the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs' office.
Contracted with Marathon Travel service to achieve cost efficiencies and best service. Read more.
Recognizing lower rates for energy and improving energy conservation.
Managing faculty sabbatical and leave replacement more tightly.
Imposing a minimum delay in the filling of all administrative positions of 90 days and beginning a program of voluntary reductions in annual appointment length for administrators.
Reductions in entertainment expenses and travel costs, primarily through less expensive travel.
Reducing expenses associated with the First-Year Cup.
Reducing the quantity of printed Catalogs and directing faculty and students to on-line resources.
Eliminating the printed telephone Directory for faculty, staff and students.
Eliminating the printed Report of Appreciation (donations and volunteerism) and creating an on-line appreciation resource site.
Sending paystubs through campus mail rather than US Mail.
Increasing vehicle registration fees for students (to $80/year).
Charging $25 per ride for airport transportation.
Eliminating clipping service used to track newspaper citations.
Starting with Class of 2010, charging for academic regalia ($20/person).
Reduce University membership costs in external professional organizations.
Updated June 2010
