The Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is considering a 5-7 percent reduction to its budget in response to expected state funding cuts.
The plan, part of an 18-month, university-wide budget-cutting effort intended to address the projected $5.8-billion 2012 state deficit, would reduce athletic expenditures by $225,000-$275,000, according to director of athletics Kevin Buisman. The reduction would be in addition to a 10 percent athletics budget reduction for the current fiscal year that totaled more than $350,000.
“We were able to avoid program cuts in the last go-round, but that is no longer strategically feasible,” Buisman said. “While regrettable, the loss of some of our sports is inevitable, especially in light of what is happening with the loss of other academic programs and positions at the University.”
The plan calls for discontinuing three programs, including men’s and women’s tennis, women’s bowling and men’s swimming beginning fall 2011. Buisman said these reductions will mean the loss of more than 50 participation opportunities for current student-athletes, but will generate more than $193,000 in annual savings.
“Unfortunately, cuts are unavoidable given the budget challenges we are all facing,” Buisman said. “Every department at the University is in a similar predicament. In fact, these are systemic issues, and we will see other institutions facing similar decisions in the months ahead.”
“We foresee significant budget challenges on the horizon that require our immediate attention,” said Rick Straka, vice president for Finance & Administration. “These unprecedented budgetary challenges are necessitating dramatic changes for the entire University.”
He stressed that the athletic recommendation is preliminary and will be discussed with various meet-and-confer bargaining groups in coming weeks.
Final decisions will be made in March 2011, following the legislative appropriations cycle, with an implementation date effective fall 2011.
Additional restructuring and reorganization within the department will be necessary to reach the 5-7 percent goal, Buisman said.
Reductions in some academic programs, including Human Performance, where some coaches have teaching assignments, has affected athletics, he said. “Our challenge is compounded by the fact that some of the academic programs cuts are also impacting us. Human Performance has lost some positions and we have to be part of that solution, as well.”
Athletics budget planning followed a process similar to the university’s academic reduction plan, announced this spring.
Buisman said maintaining the quality and excellence of Minnesota State Mankato athletics was the top priority in determining the proposed reductions. Other criteria include:
“As the school year ended we were able to share these criteria with the president and his cabinet, through the University meet and confer process, and with all of our head coaches,” Buisman said. “Decisions like this are never easy, but these criteria provided us a framework for strategic decision-making.”
“I appreciate the work that has gone into formulating these recommendations," said President Richard Davenport. "It is not an easy process, but one that every department has had to manage its way through as we prepare and plan proactively for the budget challenges ahead.
"Unfortunately, the solution meant downsizing that has included the loss of programs and positions on a university-wide basis and where athletics was accountable to these same standards. I am confident, however, that like the rest of the university, the remaining programs will see a future where they are financially more stable and continue to be highly competitive.”
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