Shepherd University is finding ways to reallocate and cut budgets to offset the $800,000 state budget cut expected to take place for the 2014 fiscal year.
The budget council is still in the process of finding new ways to generate revenue for the university. It has recommended a tuition increase for both in-state and out-of-state fees for students, but the exact amount will be determined by the amount of money the state cuts from Shepherd. The council will continue to review gaps and seek to fill services to students.
Kyle Derr, a sophomore environmental science major, said, “I understand that the university has to balance out their budget, and if they aren’t receiving as much funding from our state, then obviously they will have to collect more money from us students or cut back spending in other areas.”
According to Deborah Judd, vice president for administration and finance, “Two priorities for revenue generation are Martinsburg and we are also looking for ways to create an internationalization program, which will generate new revenue for the institution.”
It is still unclear if the cut includes salaries and wages for employees on campus.
Judd said, “The council continues to generate ideas of savings, but no firm resolutions to the cuts have been identified.”
The new Martinsburg campus has a completely separate start up budget that will not be affected by this cut. The state budget cut is set to affect only the Shepherdstown campus budget.
Shepherd University will remain competitive with this increase because what sets Shepherd apart from other schools is that it offers a private experience at a public price.
Derr said, “I’m not going to transfer or drop out because of a few hundred dollar increase in my tuition and fees. That would cause far too much stress in many areas, and I believe the university recognizes that.”
Judd explained that the university keeps its pricing competitive at all times.
Judd said, “We compare any projected increase we are considering to those of our peer institutions both in and out of state.”
Students already pay fees like the medical and technology fees. The council has suggested a consolidation of some of the fees Shepherd students pay.
“This consolidation is not as a result of the presumed state cuts,” said Judd. “It will streamline bills for students and will allow for budgeting flexibility.”
Still in the process stage, this consolidation is just a part of the budget reduction plan that the council recommends.
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