The University has reduced approximately $2.5 million from its operating budget in light of a statewide short fall of funds announced Dec. 14, 2011.

In December, the Louisiana Revenue Estimating Conference announced that the state of Louisiana’s budget suffered a loss of $198 million in revenue. To balance the budget, which is required by the state constitution, funding was cut from several state institutions, including higher education. According to Stephen Smith, Vice President of Administration and Finance, Southeastern became fully aware of the funding it would lose on Dec. 17 by email. Smith and his staff then began the process of evaluating resources over the winter break to balance the university’s budget.

“The mood was overall a positive one because we all knew we had to get this done despite the holiday,” said Smith. “We accomplished most of the work on the Monday and Tuesday before Christmas and we sent out the final report to the Board of Regents on the twenty-sixth. I think it went smoothly, well, as smooth as it could with budget cuts. “

In a message to the university, President John L. Crain outlined the areas that lost funding to balance the campus’ finances. The brunt of the cuts (approximately $1.23 million) was taken from salaries and fringe benefits, which encompass retirement and health insurance, from vacant faculty and staff positions. Crain confirmed in an email that no positions that are currently filled have been affected. Crain went on to say that approximately $950,000 was cut from travel, supplies, acquisitions, athletics and other operating costs; and about $264,000 was cut from savings, utilities, insurance and summer school costs.

“We wanted a minimal impact on students and classes when we made these cuts,” said Smith. “I think the only way they will be affected right now is that some delivery services will slow down and maybe some classroom supplies will become less available.”

According to both Crain and Smith, the areas cut will likely change due to a lack of involvement of budget unit heads during the break.

“We anticipate eliminating 10 vacant positions,” said Crain. Because budget unit heads were not available during the holiday break when the plan was submitted, we have not yet communicated with departments about which positions will be eliminated. Based on those discussions, there could be some changes in the decisions about which positions are eliminated.”

In his message, Crain stated that his office will update the campus and the community as the effect of the cuts becomes more concrete.