Operating budget tops $313 millionJuly 29, 2008 KALAMAZOO--Acting at its July 25 meeting, the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees approved an estimated general fund operating budget of more than $313 million for 2008-09. The budget, which is nearly $14.7 million higher than the 2007-08 estimated budget is essentially balanced and represents a 4 percent increase over the previous year's budget. Major revenue ingredients to the WMU budget include $113,242,200 in anticipated state appropriations, which is an increase of 1 percent over last year's appropriation. The second major ingredient is more than $193.5 million in expected tuition and required fee income from students both on and off campus. The tuition and fee revenue includes a 9.2 percent increase in tuition and required fees approved by trustees July 25. Expense changes include budgeted increases allotted for a number of items including student financial aid, compensation, library acquisitions, faculty research support, academic program support, facilities support and utilities. Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu WMU News |