University of Illinois

2010 Budget Outlook

Budget Outlook | University statements | University budget | Media | Governor's proposed budget

Early in fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009) with the economy weakening, the University of Illinois took a conservative approach in allocating general revenue funds. In October 2008, President B. Joseph White requested that University leaders prepare contingency financial plans for worsening economic conditions.

In November 2008, the Illinois Board of Higher Education directed public universities in the state to set aside a 2.5 percent reserve of their fiscal 2009 general revenue fund appropriation. As of April 2009, with no other cuts announced, the 2.5 reserve funds are expected to become a non-recurring rescission for the current fiscal year. Because of the University's conservative approach in allocating the fiscal 2009 operating appropriation from the state, the rescission was handled without an impact on the academic mission or employment.

Released in March 2009, Governor Pat Quinn's budget proposal for fiscal 2010 (July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010) provides support for education, including reinstating the 2.5 percent rescission and adding 1.1 percent to the U of I operating appropriation. His proposal also includes a capital program with funds for renovation on all three U of I campuses and new building projects in Urbana and Chicago. The budget is now under review by the General Assembly. A vote on the budget, likely with revisions, is expected in the late spring or summer.

Travel limits, strict controls on new hires and sustainability initiatives, first announced and implemented in late 2008, are still in place to help the University and its campuses face current and anticipated financial challenges. University senior staff are currently working on plans to reduce non-academic administrative costs to focus resources on academic and strategic priorities.

The Board of Trustees, President White and University leadership remain committed to protecting academic quality, serving well the University's students and others who depend on the services and resources of the institution, and minimizing adverse effects on people.

• University & campus statements
• University budget background
• Media coverage
• Governor Quinn's proposed FY2010 budget and its impact on the University of Illinois

• Stewarding resources (Urbana campus website)

• Federal recovery website
• State recovery website

Updated: April 3, 2009