President’s budget update

The following message was sent from President Mark B. Rosenberg to the university community on March 3, 2010:

Dear members of the university community:

This week the state of Florida begins the 2010-11 legislative session, one that promises to be as challenging as the last two.

While the national economy has shown some signs of improvement, as a state we are still experiencing economic difficulties largely tied to the real estate market slump and increased costs for Medicaid and corrections.

I’m pleased to report that as an institution we are entering the new budget cycle in a relatively good position as a result of the thoughtful and disciplined approach of the last three years. As you recall, we have been involved in a rolling three-year budget planning process that will serve us well again this year. 

Gov. Charlie Crist has integrated the New Florida plan into his proposed budget, recommending $100 million in additional funding for Florida’s public universities. Though it is impossible to tell at this time what kind of budget the legislative process will yield, we are pleased that the governor has recognized the key role that investing in higher education plays in the success of a thriving 21st century economy.

A recent Gallup poll indicates that nearly 20 percent of the U.S. workforce lacks adequate employment. Gallup estimated that about 30 million Americans are jobless or working part-time when they really want full time work. This is a monumental challenge and one that universities are uniquely positioned to help address. But we must have the adequate investment to be able to make a difference. Today more than ever, FIU is graduating students ready to compete and lead in the global marketplace. Through initiatives such as Global Learning for Global Citizenship, our cutting edge research, and centers such as the Eugenio Pino and Family Global Entrepreneurship Center, we are preparing students who are ready to create jobs, rather than take jobs.

I am very optimistic about our future but recognize that we have significant funding challenges in the short term. This is why I will be giving you periodic updates during the legislative session and have scheduled our first budget forum for 10 a.m. on April 12, 2010 in the Graham Center Ballrooms. Please mark your calendar; more information will follow.

Our goal this year is to avoid further cuts to the university’s budget and secure the necessary funding to implement our College of Medicine plan, in accordance with accreditation standards.
Thank you for the magnificent work you do, often with limited resources. You are the reason FIU is worlds ahead in so many ways!

Mark B. Rosenberg
President