Budget Reduction

Last Thursday, Governor Kaine announced his decisions for reductions to the FY09 budget.

Old Dominion University's budget reduction is 5 percent, or $5.6 million.  Additionally, the governor announced that pay raises scheduled for December will be delayed. 

While cuts for higher education ranged from 5 to 7 percent, Old Dominion's reduction acknowledges the university's enrollment growth and underfunding.

The reductions will be felt throughout the University, but the impact will be focused predominantly upon the elimination of currently vacant positions and selective reductions in other operating funds.

Additionally, Old Dominion will close its Northern Virginia Higher Education Center in June 2009. The staff is moving quickly to inform students and develop teach-out plans for them, as required by SCHEV and SACS. The Office of Distance Learning will coordinate associated details with the academic and student support offices, as well as the appropriate external entities. Students at the center will have several degree completion opportunities, including videostream and online course connectivity. I am grateful to those faculty members who will play a key role in ensuring the academic success of the students impacted by the closure.

Our final budget reduction plan will be presented to the Board of Visitors for its consideration and approval before it is submitted to Richmond.  I will share the final plan and any implementation timelines with the university community at that time. 

I also must point out that all state agencies, including Old Dominion, will face significant cuts again in the 2010 budget.

I would like to acknowledge Governor Kaine, his cabinet and our state legislators for working with us during this challenging period.

These are difficult times for the Commonwealth and our nation and we all will be impacted professionally and personally.  But I assure you that Old Dominion University will do its best to address these conditions and sustain its current successes and momentum. I ask for your support and understanding.