Message: Update on the budget

Dear Colleagues,

Over the weekend, by the narrowest of majorities the Kansas Legislature passed the state budget for FY 2014 and FY 2015, which Governor Brownback is expected to sign into law.

Despite advocacy that included the work of Jayhawks for Higher Education, legislators cut the University of Kansas budget by $13.53 million over the next two years. The cut for the Lawrence and Edwards campuses is $5.26 million, while the reduction for the KU Medical Center is $8.27 million. These were made via across-the-board reductions, as well as sweeps of salary funds. Legislators also included restrictions on what kinds of cutbacks KUMC is allowed to make.

We are now evaluating the budget and its restrictions, and will work with deans, directors and other university leaders to implement the cutbacks that will be a consequence of this latest chapter in the state’s disinvestment in its universities.

Our goals will be to protect the university’s core mission and our areas of excellence. Just as we have used Bold Aspirations to guide our investments as we seek to elevate our position relative to national peers, it will also guide us as we make the necessary cutbacks.

These budget cuts will make our task more difficult, but we will continue our efforts to elevate the quality and stature of our university for the benefit of the students and state we serve.

Sincerely,

Bernadette Gray-Little
Chancellor