In anticipation of a state revenue shortfall that could affect UNT's 2003-04 budget, UNT President Norval Pohl says the university will delay its budget process until more is known about changes to legislative appropriations.

By this time of the year, UNT is generally well into its budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Sept. 1, 2003.

This year, however, Pohl anticipates that UNT will begin work on fiscal year 2003-04 budget activities at the end of this regular legislative session, and that state agencies will receive budget instructions in early summer. Should the Legislature fail to pass an appropriation by the end of the regular session and hold a special session, the university will delay the budget process accordingly, he says.

"At this point, I don't know exactly what impact the state's projected revenue shortfalls will have on UNT's budgets for the next biennium," Pohl says.

Most state entities, including higher education institutions, will suffer reductions to the general revenue portion of their appropriations, he says. The level at which these GR reductions will be offset by changes in tuition charges is uncertain at this time.

"Regardless of the financial challenges our institution may face, UNT will remain committed to providing our students with a high-quality education and the best possible services, and we will continue to advance our university by building on our outstanding academic foundation," Pohl says.

In the new fiscal year, some reallocation of funds and unfilled positions may be necessary to achieve these goals, he says.

Pohl says as the current legislative session nears its end, UNT's budget situation will become more clear. But he stresses that, in spite of the financial challenges UNT is likely to face in the foreseeable future, he does not anticipate a reduction in currently employed faculty and staff.

BY RODDY WOLPER rwolper@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Commencement is May 10
• About the May 10 commencement speaker
• DISD superintendent to speak at TAMS graduation
• UNT System continues plans for public law school for North Texas region
• Faculty Senate chair reflects on a year full of changes
• UCM earns 10 awards for writing, publications, marketing materials
• Faculty Senate approves resolutions, admissions policy change report
• UNT to host National Youth Sports Program

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