FY09 Budget Update

Dear Colleague:

I regret to report that the results from Governor Kaine's 2009-10 proposed budget are not particularly good news for either Old Dominion University or higher education.

Based on the figures available to me, Old Dominion will be cut an additional 10 percent as of July 1, 2010. This reduction amounts to an additional $11 million for us. As today's Virginian-Pilot speculated, all four-year institutions were reduced 10 percent, in addition to what we all experienced in October. Consequently, there will be no salary increases in July 2009 as originally proposed.

If there is a silver lining, funding for the University's modeling and simulation initiative was supported for $2.1 million and our students were awarded another $2.8 million in financial aid. Two capital projects - Powhatan Sports Complex and Webb Center - were approved for non-general fund authority.  In addition, the $1.1 million we received as part of the Tuition Moderation Incentive Fund will be added to our base budget in 2010.

We certainly recognize the challenge the Governor and his administration faced in preparing the budget. We will be working closely with members of the General Assembly and the other colleges and universities to seek any solutions available to us.

In closing, I am saddened to bring you such somber news before the holiday. I know how hard the entire campus worked this fall to serve a record enrollment. It was an outstanding effort on all fronts! You have my assurance that the vice presidents, deans and Board of Visitors will explore every option available to us to ensure the most effective and efficient decisions are made for Old Dominion University faculty, staff and students.

As I have done all semester, you have my word that I will provide you information as I receive it.

Sincerely yours,

John R. Broderick
Acting President