University News

FY'13 Budget Update [11/7/12]

November 7, 2012

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November 7, 2012

Dear WIU Campus Community:

I want to take this opportunity to update you about our budget situation. We recently received the final $6.4 million payroll reimbursement for Fiscal Year 2012. We are pleased to have received this final reimbursement. The state currently owes Western $31.3 million ($25.9 million payroll and $5.4 million from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for MAP grants) for the current fiscal year.

The delay in FY'13 reimbursements, coupled with the 6.1 percent ($3.4 million) reduction of Western's state appropriation for this fiscal year, means that we must continue to operate in an even more fiscally conservative manner. Our objectives continue to be to provide affordable academic programs and services to our students and to meet our payroll obligations. To meet these goals, we must continue to limit spending for immediate and essential operational needs only, and all purchases greater than $500 must continue to be submitted for vice presidential approval.

We must continue to practice sound fiscal management. This must continue to be a University-wide effort, where we all must play our part to ensure the financial stability of our institution. We recognize that it is difficult to plan and to prepare when there are delays in state reimbursements and continued cuts in our funding. However, we cannot afford to stand still as a University. As an institution that remains competitive and on the cutting edge, we must continue to be creative and develop innovative ways to fulfill our mission. Please know that we will continue to work with our legislators and all constituencies to advocate for our students and for adequate support of higher education in the state of Illinois.

I appreciate your continued commitment to Western Illinois University during these most challenging times.

Sincerely,
Jack Thomas
President


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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