UI task force offers plan for financial future

MOSCOW, Idaho – A University of Idaho task force on Wednesday released a new big-picture report on how the school ought to move forward in what is sure to be a tough financial future.

According to the 161-page report from the University Vision and Resources Task Force, UI should maintain its traditional role as a research institution specializing in technology transfer, biological sciences, natural resources and the environment, agriculture and performing arts.

Additionally, the plan envisions a “target case” financial scenario in which the university would operate next year on a deficit of about $5.85 million, but would retain about $3.7 million set aside in reserves.

The proposal allocates $3.15 million of the budget reduction to administrative and support services, with about $2.7 million cut from academic units.

Where spending cuts are needed, whole programs would be trimmed rather than across-the-board cuts to the entire institution.

The 26-member Vision and Resources Task Force consisted of faculty, staff and students.

University President Tim White emphasized in a prepared statement that the report begins “a process of review and refinement and provides an opportunity for meaningful conversation and decision-making that will have a powerful impact on our university.”

White has asked for key members of the university’s executive staff to analyze the report by Oct. 11. After that, another month of comment period from the public will follow.

White said he anticipates many specific decisions for changes in academic programs and funding will begin in fiscal 2006, which begins July 1, 2005.

It will meet throughout the summer and submit its recommendations in late fall.

The school has faced severe financial problems for several years, and they worsened last year with the University Place campus in Boise.

The $136 million, multi-building complex just east of downtown Boise was seen by many university advocates as critical to maintaining the school’s clout against the rising influence of Boise State University.

A report earlier this year concluded the university and its foundation may have violated some state laws or breached their ethical responsibilities to financial supporters by making those front-end financial commitments.

The foundation still has $25 million to pay back to the school and its primary trust.