Trustees Adopt Budget Measures

BUDGET DECISIONS REINFORCE OHIO STATE'S PRIORITIES

     COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University's Board of Trustees
Wednesday (9/1) adopted a series of budget measures designed to
improve student services and to support core academic programs,
while protecting Ohio State's financial stability.

     "We have made tough choices to support the right
priorities," President E. Gordon Gee told the trustees in
presenting his budget recommendations.  "We have improved service
to students in a number of areas, and we have provided modest
salary increases to faculty and staff."

     The university budget approved by the trustees in July
called for about $15 million in spending reductions to offset a
lack of revenues and to provide additional funds for priority
programs.  University officials were given until Sept. 1 to come
up with a set of selective spending reductions.

     This latest action by the trustees approves the
administration's plan of selected cuts in the general funds
allocated to colleges and offices across the Columbus campus.
     Among the university priorities for additional funding were:

     -- Improved services in student financial aid, including an
additional $8.3 million for scholarships.

     -- Improvements in class scheduling, including $1.75 million
to add sections to popular required courses.

     -- More instruction in data analysis, foreign language and
writing as part of Ohio State's undergraduate curriculum reform.

     -- Advancements in computer facilities and networking,
including $1.5 million to remodel and expand computer
laboratories for students.

     -- Additional research support to faculty and research
opportunities for students.

     -- Expanded support for a diverse student body and faculty,
including an additional $2.8 million split among the Young
Scholars Program, minority scholarships and the Faculty Incentive
Program.

     -- The first pay raise in two years for most faculty, staff
and student employees.

     "These priorities represent the core of our academic
programs," said Richard Sisson, senior vice president for
academic affairs and provost.  "Whatever else happens, these core
programs must be protected and enhanced."

     The budget reductions totaled $15,296,000, about 4.3 percent
of the university general fund.  Colleges were reduced an average
of 3.5 percent, while academic support units -- such as Human
Resources, and Business and Administration -- were reduced an
average of 6.0 percent.  The Office of the President was reduced
15 percent.

     William Shkurti, vice president for finance, estimates that
as many as 300 to 400 jobs may be eliminated.  That includes
vacant positions and the possible lay-off of up to 100 support
staff.  No lay-offs of faculty members are expected.

     Each college and office prepared budget reduction plans for
the offices of Academic Affairs and Finance in early August.  The
full effects of the budget cuts will become known later in
September as these plans are implemented.

     Further savings will be generated as the university
continues the streamlining of its administration.

     The streamlining began last January when the Office of
Academic Affairs reorganized the academic support units that
report to that office.

     Among the major changes were the merging of the Office of
Student Financial Aid with the Office of Admissions; the transfer
of the Office of Continuing Education to University College to
reduce program duplication; and the merger of the Center for
Teaching Excellence, given a new charge as the Center for
Instructional Resources, with the Office of Academic Computing.

     The second phase of restructuring includes the offices of
the vice presidents for Finance, Human Resources, Business and
Administration, Student Affairs, Development, and Research.
Changes in operating procedure and staffing to elmininate
duplication will be announced in mid-year, according to Shkurti.

     The third phase will involve academic units.  Procedures to
assess the administrative structure of Ohio State's 19 colleges
and seven schools will be developed this autumn with the changes
phased in beginning in autumn 1994.

     The trustees also approved limits on the growth of the
university's multi-year spending plans for a number of programs
in light of universitywide priorities.
                                #
Contact:  Richard Sisson, senior vice president for academic
affairs and provost, (614) 292-5881; and William Shkurti, vice
president for finance, (614) 292-9232.


[Submitted by: GERSTNER  (gerstner@ccgate.ucomm.ohio-state.edu)
               
Wed, 01 Sep 93 16:38:19 EST]
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