UW seeks matching funds from lawmakers

by Columns Staff | December 1, 1995

A $30 million plan that leverages state funds with private support and tuition would boost access to the UW, expand instructional technology and help retain faculty, the UW told the regents Oct. 27.

Under the UW budget plan, a maximum of $18 million would come from state resources. The plan was forwarded to the Governor and the Legislature, which meets in January.

“Our supplemental budget proposal is intended to address specific, identified needs that have very high priority,” President Richard L. McCormick said.

“We have tried to be creative in proposing what amounts to a funding partnership,” he added. “The University recognizes the state’s budgetary constraints and we are proposing that if the state will fund part of these needs from the general fund, other funding mechanisms can be found to come up with the rest.” The challenges include:

• Access: Enrollment would increase in Seattle by creating 700 more full-time spaces, plus adding 60 more students at UW-Tacoma and 20 more at UW-Bothell. Distance learning classes would also grow. Cost: $12 million.
• Instructional Technology: Student access to the Internet, e-mail and computer laboratories would be broadened. Cost: $6 million.
• Retention: The UW would create a $2 million faculty retention pool. In addition, the UW would establish a $5 million fund for endowed professorships, fellowships and scholarships.
• Economic Development: The UW and the state would form a partnership to encourage the growth of high technology industry. The first phase would create a series of University-industry faculty positions. Cost: $5 million.

To balance state funding, UW officials suggest raising non-resident tuition to the average of the UW’s peer institutions. Currently non-resident UW undergraduates pay $8,523 while the peer average is $10,296. Other revenue sources include tuition generated by increased enrollment, private and external contributions, and internal savings.