Memos & Newsletters

Date:            March 1, 2006

To:               NMSU Faculty and Staff

From:           Mike Martin, President

Subject:       Budget

        "Economics is a painful elaboration of the obvious."

With the 2006 Legislative Session now ended, we continue to sort through the outcomes for NMSU.  We also await any decisions coming from the Governor's office.

As we begin to shape the budget recommendations, I want to share with you the overarching considerations as I see them.  First, let me note that there are two ways to build the university's budget:

1.  Here's what we've got, where do we put it?

2.  Here's what we need, where do we get it?

This year we face the second approach.  We must find some ways to invest in those programs that can grow our enrollment, improve retention and advance our research-graduate education mission. At all times we must remain committed to excellence, diversity, and service and accountability to all New Mexicans.  And we must get this done while facing the realities of rising operating costs, particularly as related to energy and health care.

Since we did not qualify for workload increase funding (only one New Mexico university did), we will have to find other ways to make these investments and meet these needs.  Thus, we will be exploring: (a) savings through improved efficiency, (b) a modest tuition increase, and (c) some reallocations.

Once we receive final word from Santa Fe, we will move with dispatch to refine several budget scenarios. These will be shared with the deans, Faculty Senate, ACAP, ASNMSU, and others before taking recommendations to the Board of Regents in early April.

I'll keep you apprised as the budget-making process continues.

Go Aggies!!