After the final budget was signed by Gov. Michael Dunleavy on Aug. 19, the University of Alaska System began the process of distributing University System President Jim Johnson’s general guidance for achieving the $25 million system-wide reduction.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks’ reduction target is $17 million. According to UAF Chancellor Dan White, his campus had already achieved $9.5 million in reductions, and so must only find an additional $7.5 million.
White detailed the approach he plans to take at UAF:
- 10% GF Reduction – $9.5 million
- This reduction was already proposed during the continuation budgeting processing for FY20 and included a multitude of unit reductions within procurement, services, travel and reduced staffing.
- Remaining reduction needed – $7.5 million
- Facilities and Administration – $2.5 million
- Through statewide consolidations of central university administration, the system office will find $5 million in savings and portions will be attributed to the universities. UAF is anticipating being able to count $2.5 million from these savings.
- Reduce $2.5 million in facility maintenance expenses.
- Academic Program & Student Services – $1.3 million
- Expedited program review of academic programs and general units will begin this fall 2019 at the system level. White estimates that some funds will be saved through potential reduction of faculty contracts within eliminated programs but due to teach-out requirements, one-time bridge funding will be required.
- Research – $700,000
- Application of an unallocated reduction will be applied to units supporting organized research. The purpose of the unallocated reduction is to allow unit leaders to make the best choices for their units.
- Public Service – $500,000
To meet the new reduction, UAF will use one-time bridge funding where possible. Johnsen’s memo asked UAF to protect funds within Advancement functions (Fundraising-Development, University Relations, Alumni) and Title IX.
With the $9.5 million already cut and the $7.5 million yet to go, the University of Fairbanks will see a $17 million reduction, the most of any campus. For UAF the entire budget cut will be generally allocated thus:
- Administration – $7.8 million
- Academic programs & Student Services – $6.2 million
- Research – $1.7 million
- Public Service – $1.2 million
The next step is approval of the budget distribution plan by the Board of Regents on September 12.
