UNC Asheville Budget Fact Sheet

State Budget Cuts in Current Fiscal Year (2008-09 FY)

> Gov. Mike Easley announced a 2% cut to current budgets for all state agencies in September 2008, and an additional 2% cut in mid-October. For UNC Asheville, this 4% cut to its current state budget totaled $1,365,000.

> Chancellor Anne Ponder has clearly affirmed the primacy of UNC Asheville's core mission of teaching and learning as the basis for all decision-making, including budget reduction decisions.

> UNC Asheville successfully managed the 4% cut by delaying filling most vacant positions, and limiting travel and purchases of goods and services.

> On January 15, 2009, as the state's economic picture continued to worsen, all state agencies were mandated to cut an additional 2% from their budgets, for a total of 6% this year.

> At UNC Asheville, the additional 2% represents $682,500, bringing total budget cuts this year to $2,047,500. In addition, the University of North Carolina General Administration has asked that campuses reserve another 1% in anticipation of future cuts this year, for a total of 7%.

> The additional 2% cut announced on January 15 will be implemented on February 1, effectively eliminating 2% of the entire annual state budget during the last five months of the fiscal year.

> Specific steps include:

     -- Suspending the hiring of permanent employees in all but the most critical situations

     -- Reducing the number of temporary employees

     -- Eliminating all travel and off-campus training unless it is critical to the University's core    
        mission, or concerns public safety, public health and emergencies

     -- Eliminating all purchases unless they are critical to the University's core mission; continue to
        purchase supplies, equipment and materials needed for classroom instruction

> Chancellor Ponder and senior administrators continue to work with department and program leaders in their divisions to explore options for longer-term savings.


January 26, 2009