UW-L could lose $2 million in state funds

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Nov 27, 2002

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse officials are preparing for potential state budget cuts, which could result in tuition increases and cut into enrollment, said Ron Lostetter, vice chancellor for Administration and Finance.

"In all likelihood, there will be some sort of reduction coming our way. So we have asked deans, directors and department chairs to look carefully at their budgets, and avoid filling vacancies and approving expenditures that are not critical at this time," Lostetter said.

Systemwide, the UW System has asked for an increase of 3.5 percent for the first year of the 2003-05 state budget. But system officials also submitted alternative plans to absorb 5 percent cuts at the direction of Gov. Scott McCallum's administration.

If those plans are implemented, UW-L could lose up to $2 million in state funding, Lostetter said. That could result in 350 fewer enrollment slots available and a reduction of 41 faculty and staff positions, UW System estimates show.

"While a 5 percent cut, or $2 million, is purely illustrative at this point, it does point to the potential consequences of another major cut. It forces us to ask ourselves how we would handle a major cut without sacrificing quality and our students' educational experience."