DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University has announced a plan of action to address additional state budget cuts.
The most recent cut is due to the continuing downturn in oil gross production that impacts revenues collected by the state. All schools in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education are affected, but it is important to note that it impacts only higher education. For Southeastern, this reduction is projected to be $500,079 through the end of the current fiscalyear (June 30, 2016).
The University is also anticipating additional cuts this fiscal year – based on state revenue collection – to be announced shortly.
In an email to campus faculty and staff Monday afternoon, Southeastern president Sean Burrage outlined steps the University is implementing to address the budget situation for the current fiscal year and also next fiscal year (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017):
- Six furlough days (unpaid days off) for employees during the remainder of this fiscal year. These furlough days will save the University as much as $400,000.
- Additional savings this fiscal year from operational spending controls that are in place.
- The non-reappointment (without cause) of nine employees (six faculty, three staff) next fiscal year. The estimated cost savings ($589,713) of the non-renewals will not be realized until next fiscal year.
To date, during the current fiscal year, Southeastern has absorbed more than $2.8 million in budget cuts.
“These are obviously very difficult decisions to make,’’ Burrage said. “Colleges and universities throughout the state and nation are facing similar challenges. With that being said, I am confident that Southeastern will emerge stronger in the future. In the meantime, we will continue to look for ways to reduce costs, be more efficient, grow enrollment, and seek additional private support.’’
To address earlier budget cuts, the University reduced departmental operational costs, left numerous staff vacancies unfilled, modified summer school compensation, eliminated or consolidated programs/offices, and introduced a Retirement Incentive program.
Southeastern is also cutting costs by collaborating with Murray State College to share the services of abusiness officer.
Although the budget situation for FY 17 is unknown, the Southeastern president says he is optimistic.
“With some of the measures we’ve implemented, we have positioned ourselves to be in better financial condition next year,’’ Burrage said. “In addition to the $1.8 million in savings due to the retirement program, we have more than $300,000 in new student scholarship funds available, while anticipating enrollment growth in areas such as the on-line MBA.’’
