17 April Final BAC Recommendation Forum

20 March BAC Recommendation & Presentation (536 KB PDF format)

Audio File of Presentation on 20 March

Detailed University Base Budgets - Operating Funds

Budget Alternatives Committee members

State of Michigan Office of the State Budget

NMU Homepage

    NMU established a Budget Alternatives Committee (BAC) in the fall of 2002 in response to the budget crisis in Michigan and the likelihood of a decrease in state support for higher education. NMU faces a 10 percent decrease in state funding - or $5.2 million - through a combination of two factors: executive orders signed in December and February that resulted in a net 3.5 percent drop in universities' state appropriations for the current fiscal year, and the governor's proposed 6.5 percent cut in higher education funding for FY2004.

     When combined with an estimated $5 million increase in operating costs, NMU projects a total shortfall of $10.2 million in FY2004. The BAC was charged with reducing the university's general fund budget by about $12.8 million over the next two fiscal years, but in a way that would preserve the quality of the academic experience for students. In formulating its recommendations, the BAC explored potential cost-saving measures in every office and department.

The BAC is suggesting reductions of $9.6 million in FY2004 and $3.2 million in FY2005. A full overview of the recommendations is available.