KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Western Michigan University (WMU) Board of Trustees will consider a number of agenda items during a virtual meeting this week.
Among the items up for consideration is the general fund budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 for 2020-21, which officials say is one of the top action items on the agenda.
Other agenda items include the following topics:
- An interim sexual and gender-based misconduct policy
- a dynamic pricing strategy for room, board and apartment rates
- a labor agreement with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
Officials add that WMU’s general fund has two main revenue sources, tuition and state funding. Both are expected to be constrained in 2020-21 due to COVID-19’s economic repercussions.
As a result of these constraints, WMU has projected a shortfall of between $45 million and $85 million in the 2020-21 fiscal year. Officials say the university has been implementing associated budget reductions based on the most conservative financial modeling.
WMU administration is recommending that trustees approve an up to 90-day continuation of the current operating budget as University officials continue to work through the funding challenges. A number of factors are still unknown, such as the University’s appropriation from the state of Michigan, which is facing an estimated $6.1 billion shortfall.
State funding accounts for about 25% of WMU’s general operating budget.
Tuition rates are another matter of concern when it comes to funding, which makes up the other 75%.
National modeling suggests that the pandemic will impact higher education enrollment, as students and their families are also challenged by COVID-19-related financial hardships. The degree of the enrollment impact is not yet known.
If trustees approve the continuation budget Thursday, University officials intend to bring an updated 2020-21 general fund budget proposal to the board for consideration in mid-September. By then, fall enrollment will be known and state funding may be as well.
The full agenda and supporting documents can be viewed online at wmich.edu/trustees.
Individuals wishing to address the board during either public comment sections of the meeting must notify Dr. Kahler Schuemann at kahler.schuemann@wmich.edu by 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 24.
