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Trustees OK estimated general fund budget

July 17, 2006

KALAMAZOO--During its July 14 meeting, Western Michigan University's Board of Trustees approved an estimated general fund operating budget of $295 million for the coming year that calls for nearly $7 million in targeted budget reductions aimed at controlling operating costs to limit the level of tuition increases needed.

Major ingredients of the budget for the 2006-07 year, which began July 1, are a state appropriation, which is expected to amount to $112.9 million this year, and tuition, which is expected to generate $171.5 million. The tuition revenue anticipated includes a 6 percent tuition increase, also approved at the boards' July 14 meeting.

Major expense increases anticipated in the new budget include nearly $2.9 million in compensation for faculty as outlined in a current faculty contract, utility costs expected to increase by nearly 19 percent, a 6 percent student financial aid increase to match the tuition increase and debt service on four University buildings--two that are new and two being renovated.

The budget includes an overall target budget reduction of nearly $7 million, and areas across the University already know and are working toward their budget reduction targets. In addition, pay increases for University employees will be limited to members of the American Association of University Professor, WMU's faculty union, which is midway through a three-year contract that calls for a 3 percent salary increase for the 2006-07 year.

Related article
Trustees approve tuition and fee increase

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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