May 6, 2009 -- Draft 2009-11 Operating Budget Now Available

Colleagues:

Western`s draft operating budget for the upcoming biennium is now ready for your scrutiny.  Our report on the draft budget is available on line.

This was a challenging report to write for several reasons.  First, there was the need to show all while not bogging down the many who simply want an overview.  This challenge was met by using lots of hyperlinks.  You can read the overall report.  And, if you wish, you can drill down through further explanations and definitions to see every spreadsheet the deans, the vice presidents, and I had available in working out the draft.

The second challenge is a bit more nuanced: to include a quick summary that just gives the budget highlights.  Or, to lead you also through the progress we have made and the challenges that remain in building a culture of open and transparent decision making.

While I received varied advice, most said something like, “This is more about cultural change than it is budget numbers for next year; open decision making is a priority for the campus; they understand that it does take extra effort by everybody; and so they will want to read, understand, and reflect on the full report.  Don`t spoon feed.”

That`s the advice I have taken because I do share that confidence in you and the importance you attach to being an informed part of our shared responsibilities for decision making.

Please do use the web forum that has just been set up for your use to seek clarifications and to offer comment on the draft budget.

There will also be an open forum to discuss the draft: May 14th at 2:30 p.m., AIC West 204. 

We will take all suggestions received through May 16th, consider them, and then finalize a budget that will be my responsibility to recommend to our Board in June.

Our original, published timeline called for having the draft budget to you on May 11th.  That we can make it available to you today required a major push.  So many of you have been involved in the process and do know how much, particularly in these difficult times, your involvement has meant.  I have seen the long hours – early mornings, late evenings, weekends – those with whom I work most directly have put in to work on the budget: deans, vice presidents, student and faculty governance leaders.  Those who provide budget support across the university have provided absolutely essential effort and expertise.  I want to particularly acknowledge the long hours and effective efforts of our University Budget and Planning Office colleagues effectively led by Paula Gilman. 

My best,

Bruce