WMU operating budget tops $343 millionJuly 24, 2010 KALAMAZOO--Meeting July 23, the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees approved an estimated general fund operating budget of more than $343 million for the 2010-11 fiscal year that began July 1. The newly approved balanced budget exceeds the previous year's budget by $21 million and includes $3 million in budget reductions for the coming year that are being implemented across the University. Expense changes include budgeted increases allotted for a number of items, including student financial aid, which will see a more than $6.3 million increase, $2.5 million for new tenure-track faculty positions and $300,000 for hiring additional academic advisors. Other areas slated for budget increases include compensation, library acquisitions, academic program support, faculty research support, facilities support and maintenance, and utilities. Major revenue ingredients to the WMU budget include $109.2 million in anticipated state appropriations, which is a 0.38 percent decrease compared to last year's appropriation. The second major ingredient is $226.4 million in expected tuition and required fee income from students both on and off campus. The tuition and fee revenue includes a 7.4 percent increase in tuition and required fees also approved by trustees July 23. Related story Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu WMU News |
