April 13, 2017: Regents to hold special meeting to discuss potential budget cuts

The University of Alaska Board of Regents will hold a special meeting on Thursday, April 13 to discuss potential budget cuts by the Alaska Legislature. The board meeting will be held on the UAF campus from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will also be available via livestream at alaska.edu/bor/live.

"While we probably won't have a final legislative budget number before the board convenes," UA President Jim Johnsen said, "it's important that the regents begin considering the devastating impact an additional $22 million cut will have on our ability to serve our students and the state. This impact is compounded by the lack of capital funding to maintain our 400 facilities and unfunded fixed cost increases."

Johnsen is continuing to advocate for the $325 million unrestricted general fund appropriation endorsed by the governor and the House of Representatives. The chancellors at each of the three universities have been working with Johnsen on contingency plans in the event that next year's operating budget is reduced.

The Senate's budget, unveiled April 3, proposes to cut $22 million or seven percent from the university's current operating budget level and, if enacted, would represent a cumulative reduction of $75 million (19.8 percent) over the last four years.

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