Western Kentucky University Parent Guide

WKU Regents Approve $349.4 Million Budget & 2009 -2010 Budget Highlights

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Managing Finances

Bowling Green, Ky. - The Western Kentucky University Board of Regents approved a
$349.4 million budget for 2009-10. 

Ann Mead, vice president for Finance and Administration, said the budget is based on Kentucky’s 2008-10 state budget and a 4 percent increase in tuition. It also includes an internal reallocation of $1.6 million to fund lump-sum bonus of $500 to $1,000 for employees. The one-time payments will be made at the end of July.

“All projected tuition revenue generated from the fall and spring semesters will be dedicated to covering projected fixed cost increases such as utilities, state retirement and the minimum wage,” Mead said. Unavoidable cost increases are projected at $3.2 million.

The budget also includes a projected increase in student financial aid of $4.7 million, including expanded funding of Pell Grants and budget allocations to offset the tuition increase, Mead said. 

Mead said WKU has in recent years implemented a number of efficiencies to reduce expenditures, including reducing the number of hours needed to graduate in many programs, moving more degree options to online delivery, adoption of an energy savings plan and energy savings performance contract and implementing electronic business processes. 

“WKU continues to analyze programs and services for additional efficiencies, cost avoidance and funding reductions,” Mead said. “Our priorities are to remain financially stable, ensure a high level of quality for our students, continue to achieve diversity in our campus population and enhance the lives of those in our surrounding communities.” 

Mead said the University also reallocated $3.2 million, equal to a 4 percent reduction in state funding, into a budget reduction reserve fund. “While no permanent reduction has been implemented by Gov. Beshear, the WKU administration has to proceed cautiously to best position the University for a slow economic recovery,” she said.