Tennessee's Budget Reduction Affects U of M

The State of Tennessee’s appropriation for higher education has been reduced by $56 million for the 2008-2009 fiscal year, which commences on July 1, 2008.  The University of Memphis’ share of the overall reduction is $6.7 million.  What does this mean to our students, faculty, staff and supporters?

First and foremost, we will protect the integrity of our academic programs and will continue to fund research and strategic initiatives that define an urban, research university.   There are measures we must make sure are in place during difficult economic times that allow us to optimize the resources available to us.  Operationally, those measures may include delaying filling vacant positions; reexamining operations and programs that might realize a savings or efficiency from consolidation; limiting position reclassifications; searching for savings in facilities operations and costs; and limiting travel .

It is appropriate that we continue to seek advice, guidance and leadership from our supporters and Boards in identifying funding strategies for our academic initiatives. 

To our students and parents, we pledge to pass along the most modest tuition increase possible.  At this writing, 7% has been identified as the tuition increase that will preserve the environment that allows the excellence in education our students expect and deserve.  This is an increase of $163 per semester for a full-time student.  For more detailed tuition information, visit http://bf.memphis.edu/finance/bursar/tuition.php

Sincerely,

Shirley Raines