April 16, 2009

Steve Ballard, Ph.D.

Chancellor, East Carolina University

Dear Chancellor Ballard:

Enclosed are the University Budget Committee’s budgetary recommendations for the academic year 2008-2009. In these difficult economic times, the Committee appreciates the open and candid manner with which you and your administration have embraced the work of the Committee. The members recognize that the current budget environment precludes any of us from knowing the full extent of budgetary issues confronting the East Carolina University until the close of each fiscal year. The Committee also recognizes your efforts in minimizing the effects of budgetary cuts on the academic mission of ECU with particular emphasis on student, staff, and faculty employment. Your administration’s interactions with the Committee have provided the transparency necessary for shared governance. This environment has made it possible for the Committee to provide you with what we believe is sound and timely advice.

The charge of the University Budget Committee is to advise you and report to the Faculty Senate. The enclosed recommendations are our means to provide you with the advice you require and will be reported to the Faculty Senate as per our charge.

Sincerely,

Timothy P. Gavin, Ph.D.

Chair, University Budget Committee

Attachment

cc: Jan Tovey, Ph.D., Chair of the Faculty Senate

University Budget Committee members

University Budget Committee Report to the Chancellor

April 16, 2009

Recommendations

1. Budget cuts should be made in line with the Value Statement of the Board of Governors that includes protection of our commitment to teaching, research, and service.

2. Budgetary cuts should minimize any adverse effects on student learning or the safety of students and University personnel.

3. Consistent with the views expressed by your administration, budgetary cuts should seek to prevent or if necessary minimize reductions in force.

4. It is important to continue open lines of communication and transparency between all constituencies (students, staff, and faculty) of the University.

5. Budget cuts should minimize damage to the University in ways that are not easily reversed upon the return of an improved economy.

6. Budgetary cuts should be avoided that adversely affect areas of revenue generation including but not limited to student credit hours, grants and contracts, and medical services.

7. The University should continue to review efficiencies to recognize cost-savings.

8. The Budget Task Force should remain in place until the budget outlook has improved.

9. Continue to pursue appropriate state reimbursement for indigent care provided by ECU Physician.