President’s Message — April 13, 2009

Dear members of the university community:

We recently had student government elections on campus. I am pleased to welcome to their new roles as presidents this summer Anthony Rionda and Sholom Neistein, from University Park and Biscayne Bay Campus, respectively, and their vice presidents, Mykaelle Figueiredo and Christin Battle. Students also elected several new senators. It is very important for our students to have mature, thoughtful leaders as the university grapples with the budget issues we have today and in the foreseeable future.

Also important to note: In two weeks we will be awarding degrees to approximately 3,000 students. Commencement is a special time that reminds all of us who work here about the purpose of our labor. I wish all of our graduates good fortune in finding their way in this difficult economy and in using the knowledge they have acquired here for the betterment of the world around them.

In Tallahassee

We have had an opportunity to review the first draft of both the House and Senate budgets. Differences in the proposals will be addressed during the conference process, which is scheduled to begin later this week and last approximately a week. After that, the budget will be printed and distributed and three days later, will go up for a vote, just before the Legislative session ends May 1.

As it stands now, the universities could be facing anywhere from a 9 percent cut (Senate) to a 24 percent cut (House) in General Revenue, the primary source of state support for university operations. These proposed cuts are on top of the 4 percent cut the Legislature approved in January. While we do expect to receive some federal stimulus money, these one-time funds are not sufficient and are not a permanent substitute for the loss of our recurring state funds. Thus, in addition to the federal funds and some new tuition, additional revenues are under consideration. New sources of revenue include the possibility of corporate tax reform, the elimination of certain sales tax exemptions, a Seminole Indian gaming compact, and a new cigarette tax. Without stable and predictable funding, we will have no choice but to look for further cuts in spending to insure the long-term economic stability of the university.

We have much better news regarding funding for our College of Medicine. Both houses preserve funding for our College of Medicine, which receives its funding separately from the rest of the university. We expect to receive almost as much as we requested based on the plans we drafted for the accreditation process. Given the economic situation, we would consider ourselves fortunate to get what is being discussed.

Also being discussed in Tallahassee is the possibility of a pay cut for state employees. As you know, at FIU we have worked hard to express appreciation to our employees with modest but significant across-the-board, as well as merit increases. It would be a shame to see those increases evaporate. We will keep close tabs on these discussions and will keep you abreast of any decisions.

The Governmental Relations website will continue to post updates on the session and provide tools for members of the university community to share their views with our legislators during their own personal time and using their own resources.

Town Hall meeting

Our next Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4, after the legislative session has concluded. By then we expect to be able to discuss actual scenarios regarding next year’s budget with a greater degree of certainty.

The May 4 Town Hall meeting will take place at the usual location, University Park’s Graham Center Ballrooms, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be telecast to the Wolfe University Center ballrooms at Biscayne Bay Campus.

Dates to remember

I urge you to stay abreast of the evolving budget situation as the legislative process moves forward. Some key dates to note:

• Program closure documents submitted to provost: April 17
• Unit restructuring and program closure documents submitted to Faculty Senate: April 27
• Legislative session ends: May 1
• Town Hall meeting: May 4
• FY 2009-10 budget loaded into PeopleSoft: May 8
• Special meeting of Faculty Senate: May 26
• Recommendations due from Faculty Senate: May 26
• Final reduction plans due for all university units: May 29
• Board of Trustees Budget Workshop: June 1
• Board of Trustees meeting: June 12

As always, I thank everyone who is keeping abreast of this budget process. We want you to be informed because we need your participation and input. Please continue to share your thoughts at meetings, informal gathering or by sending me an email message at presmail@fiu.edu.

Modesto A. Maidique

President