Only nine states had a higher 2003 budget deficit thanTennessee's estimated $800 million, according to a survey by theNational Conference of State Legislatures.
In order to relieve budget pressures, Tennessee Gov. PhilBredesen has been forced to tighten the state's purse strings, andhigher education tops the list of programs feeling the crunch.
"Tennessee's total higher education state appropriation is about$1.1 billion, and the total proposed reduction is a little over $54million," said Sharon Hayes, director of budgeting for thefinancial planning department.
Officials at The University of Memphis are waiting for the stateto release its final decision on how much to cut. The U of M couldhave their state funding cut by close to 6 percent of its estimated$100 million appropriation as early as July.
Two plans are being considered by the state, said Hayes. TheTennessee Higher Education Commission has proposed a budget cut of$5.68 million, while the Tennessee Board of Regents has proposed a$5.29 million cut -- both higher than the 5 percent reported lastsemester.
Since The U of M has a higher proportion of tuition and fees,the reduction for the school would be more than the average of 5percent, Hayes said.
The U of M had to cut many academic programs last year after a$9.6 million cut.
This July may bring changes for students, as a second year ofmajor budget cutting may leave U of M officials no choice but tomake some academic program alterations.
"Anytime we have a budget cut it's going to affect everyone,"said John Haddock, vice president of academic affairs.
It's too early to predict a tuition hike, he added.
"We will look very carefully at how to protect students,"Haddock said. "There may be fewer classes, but I couldn't give anumber."
Students will have to wait until the fall semester to see howThe U of M is affected. If class sections decrease, as they havethis semester, prompt registration will be important for studentswith scheduling concerns.
"We will be careful not to slow down students for graduation ...and we will continue to move forward and produce strong programsfor students," Haddock said.
