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October 10, 2013

5% hike in appropriation sought

The University is seeking a 5 percent increase in its state appropriation for the coming fiscal year, at which level it would hold tuition increases to 3 percent and increase the compensation pool 2.5 percent.

In its annual appropriation request, submitted to the state Department of Education on Sept. 27, the University is asking for $155.19 million in state support for fiscal year 2015.

The request includes nearly $143.11 million for general support and $12.08 million in academic medical center funding for the fiscal year that begins next July 1.

Kenneth Service, vice chancellor for University communications, pointed out that the request is for a 5 percent increase on funding that is roughly equivalent to the level of state support Pitt received in FY95, unadjusted for inflation.

A statement by Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, submitted as part of the appropriation request, noted that while state funding remains at FY95 levels, Pitt’s full-time enrollment has risen more than 21 percent and research expenditures have risen 230 percent since then. In addition, the Consumer Price Index has increased 53 percent and the Higher Education Price Index is up 77 percent in that same time period.

The appropriation request is an initial step in the state’s annual budget process. Following agency budget submissions, the governor presents a proposed budget in early February. After the House and Senate hold appropriations committee hearings in the spring, legislators work to approve a state budget before the July 1 start of the new fiscal year.

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The University’s FY15 funding request mirrors its request for the current fiscal year. For FY14, Pitt sought a 5 percent increase, asking for a total of  $151.56 million — $142.88 million in general support and $8.68 million in academic medical center funding. (See Sept. 27, 2012, University Times.) Pitt likewise stated it planned to hold tuition increases to 3 percent and increase compensation 2.5 percent.

Legislators instead responded with an increase of 2.4 percent overall, providing an appropriation totaling $147.8 million. Pitt’s general appropriation rose to $136.3 million, an increase of 0.2 percent, while academic medical funding rose nearly 40 percent to $11.5 million.

Pitt’s Board of Trustees in July increased the salary pool 2.5 percent and raised tuition 2.9 percent overall. (See July 25 University Times.)

—Kimberly K. Barlow

Filed under: Feature,Volume 46 Issue 4

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