University President

To: The Nicholls Community

Two weeks ago, I shared summary information on the damage that would be caused to Nicholls State University by either an additional 28.5% or 15.8% reduction in state funding.

While I believe that it is unlikely that these draconian reductions will become a reality, I do believe that some additional cuts may well lie ahead.  Since reductions of any magnitude, if spread “evenly” throughout all units and disciplines, would be damaging to the entire university, areas considered must be those which, although a major element of the university, are not part of the core mission of Nicholls.  We must protect, as much as possible, the disciplines and service units that have made Nicholls the viable institution for this region that it has been for many years.  These include those that contribute to our status as SREB 4-Year IV institution, our general education core and the disciplines that are the major source of an educated workforce in this region.  However, please know that should further budget reductions becoming necessary, the Nicholls community will be involved in any necessary planning once any actual decrease is known.

I will continue to inform the university community of the situation as it changes.  To assist in that communication effort, we have set up a site linked to our Nicholls Web Site which will allow questions and comments from the Nicholls community.  Community members can get to “Your Questions Answered” through the Nicholls Homepage, under Administration and Faculty; University Administrators; President; Your Questions Answered or directly through the link http://www.nicholls.edu/president/your-questions-answered. The answer to your question will be posted on this link for all to see.

Below are some key “Talking Points” that community members may want to include in any oral or written communication regarding budget cuts.  We have included the contact information for the local legislators and the governor as well as how to get the contact information for any other legislator.

(more…)

To: Nicholls Community

The University of Louisiana System office will submit its 2009-2010 proposed budget reduction working document and those of its eight member institutions to the Division of Administration on Monday, February 9, 2009.  I want to give the Nicholls campus a preview of the working document submitted to the University of Louisiana System.

As instructed by the Jindal administration, Nicholls created two scenarios: one detailing the impact of a 15.8 percent or $4.7 million budget reduction and the other detailing the impact of a 28.5 percent or $8.6 million budget reduction.

Either would have a devastating impact on Nicholls and everyone it serves. Obviously, programs and personnel would be affected immediately should these situations occur, and we can only begin to try to project the long term effect not just on students, but on the entire region served by Nicholls.

The working document outlines the worst-case scenario, a 28.5 percent budget reduction that would result in the elimination of 17 academic programs, two student service centers and four academic support services. Reductions would be made to four academic services, six support services and 11 operational/administrative support services. A total of 123 employees would be affected:  45 faculty, 37 unclassified staff and 41 classified staff.

The working document also outlines the 15.8 percent budget reduction that would result in the elimination of eight academic programs, one student service center and one academic support service. Reductions would be made to three academic programs, two academic services, three support services, one student service center and nine operational/administrative support services. A total of 58 employees would be affected:  23 faculty, 15 unclassified staff and 20 classified staff.

We must keep in mind that this was created and compiled hastily to meet the criteria requested by the Jindal administration and any implementation of a budget cut at any level will require much thought, planning and input from interested parties before being finalized. When all is said and done, it is not likely that what we have submitted will become reality.

I want to caution students, faculty and staff from “jumping to conclusions” prior to any actual action that may be taken. Again, no actions of any kind have been finalized, nor will they be, before involving the Nicholls community.

I will continue to keep you informed as events occur.

Stephen T. Hulbert
President

TO: The University Community

The university community is beginning to feel the results of the mid-year budget cuts on programs and services.  As I said at Faculty Institute, as well as in conversations with the student, staff, and faculty leadership, while we are seeing the impact of those cuts, we are also seeing new spending initiatives.  For many individuals, not involved in the day-to-day operation of the university, there may seem to be an inconsistency between budget cuts campus-wide and the expenditure of resources for new projects and initiatives.

It is important to understand that funding for each of these initiatives comes from dedicated funds that cannot be reallocated to the mid-year budget cut or to any future budget reduction that may be imposed by the state.  Examples include the following:

1. Beauregard Hall is now undergoing a complete renovation through a state provided capital outlay fund of 14.9 million dollars.
2. The residence hall project is nearing completion with the final stages of clean up after removal of the four old buildings.  The land in question will be graded with new sidewalks and lighting added for the safety of community members.  A coffee shop will be constructed on the corner of Madewood and Ardoyne Drives across from Cheramie and Gouaux Halls, as the final step in this bond funded auxiliary initiative.
3. The clean up and repair work required to correct for damages resulting from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike will lead to the installation of new athletic scoreboards and lighting, a new electronic sign at the front of the campus, on-going roof repair and replacement on dozens of remaining roofs, and the replacement of damaged maintenance facilities.  All of this work is covered by insurance.
4. Nicholls received a special state allocation of 4.6 million dollars for deferred maintenance projects.  Over forty (40) projects are planned involving the majority of buildings on campus. Projects will be combined where feasible to take advantage of cost savings and to maximize the number of projects that we can complete.  Projects include:  HVAC/mechanical repairs and replacement, numerous fire alarm and ADA upgrades, and some structural repairs.  The two most notable projects are the replacement of the HVAC system in Gouaux Hall at a cost of $1.6 million, and the replacement of the passenger lift at Talbot Hall with an ADA compatible elevator at a cost of $600,000.

The above are just a few of the more visible projects that are under way or will be completed in the months ahead.  It is important to me that you are aware of these projects and the procedures and policies that drive them.

TO: Faculty,  Staff, and Students

Yesterday, Nicholls State University submitted its Budget Reduction Plan for 2009-10.  Since this was a “planning exercise” to be completed over a very short period of time, we did not provide the state with specific programmatic or personnel changes required to meet the 15.8 or 28.5 percent planning strategies.  Simply stated, no final decisions have been made by the state or at this level.

When the state has made a final decision, I will share more detailed information regarding this plan with you, and also offer an opportunity for communication with and input from the entire Nicholls community to finalize the plan.

I have already shared information across the university community to help individuals and groups to express concern over the proposed cuts.  Additionally, I have composed a letter to the editor that has been sent to regional print and electronic media.

Please know that I do appreciate the wide array of suggestions regarding budget cuts or efficiencies that I am receiving from faculty, staff, and students.  I appreciate your patience and consideration as we continue to work through this stressful process.