The Daily Bulletin

In May, we shared a number of stark budget scenarios for our 2020–2021 fiscal year in which we projected deficits ranging from $11 million to $27 million based on variables related to state funding, tuition, fees, and enrollment. I had hoped to have a clearer picture of our budget to share with you by August 1, but many things remain uncertain.

As you have read over the past few weeks, Congress and the White House continue to negotiate the terms of the next federal stimulus package related to the COVID-19 pandemic. New York State officials have warned that if significant funding for state and local governments is not included in this package, the Division of the Budget will need to cut state aid to agencies, schools, and local governments by at least 20 percent this year in anticipation of a projected $14 billion shortfall, with an even larger statewide budget deficit looming in 2021–2022. We continue to hope that funding for state governments and higher education will be included in the next stimulus bill, but we must also prepare for the possibility of a 20 to 25 percent reduction in state aid ($4 million to $5 million).

We also remain in flux with regard to tuition and fee rates for the upcoming academic year. The State University of New York Board of Trustees is carefully reviewing SUNY’s entire budget outlook and all options available before imposing any additional financial burden on our students and their families regarding a decision on tuition rates for this fall and spring. 

And of course, as you know, enrollment levels have been difficult to project over the past few years because of varying demographic trends—and this was before factoring in the contributing challenges in our current environment. Although there have been encouraging signs this summer—including a freshman class that at this time is tracking ahead of our goal, and stable numbers at the graduate level—our year-over-year enrollment decline, a severely shrinking transfer pool, and struggles with retention continue to create revenue challenges for us.

While we may avoid the worst-case scenario outlined in May, we will absolutely still be facing a significant budget deficit this year. Yesterday, Vice President for Finance and Management Laura Barnum shared an update on 2020–2021 budget implementation, stressing the need to efficiently and effectively manage and monitor our limited resources and adhere to strict spending control procedures (PDF, 420 KB).

Vice President Barnum will provide a preliminary budget forecast for the upcoming year during the September meeting of the College Senate, followed by a full annual budget update at the October Senate meeting. By the fall, many of the variables outlined in this message will be solidified, and we will then begin the difficult work of further reducing our expenses.

As we prepare to restart operations and welcome students back to campus this month, I want to again recognize our dedicated faculty and staff members for their amazing efforts as we navigate these difficult circumstances and deliver on the promise of a Buffalo State College education. Thank you for your continued patience and support.