Budget cuts will slow Boise State's graduate and research programs

By Bill Roberts - broberts@idahostatesman.com

Published: 01/14/09


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State-budget problems are forcing Boise State University’s push to become a regional research institution with advanced graduate programs into the slow lane.

A master's degree program in community regional planning, scheduled to start in fall, is on hold. So is a doctoral program in public policy previously planned for 2011. And Boise State won't even go to the State Board of Education to seek permission to start a biomolecular doctoral program and a master’s program in chemistry, both of which the university had hoped to start.

“It may take us a little longer to get there,” Sona Andrews, provost and vice president for academic affairs, told faculty and staff Wednesday.

Increasing the university's footprint in research is a hallmark of President Bob Kustra’s vision for the university.

Idaho universities face a 10 percent cut in state appropriations in the 2009-2010 school year if state lawmakers agree with the budget proposal Gov. Butch Otter made Monday. That could cost Boise State about $9 million. The proposed reductions come on top of cuts ordered by Otter this school year that already have cost Boise State more than $3 million.

Besides delaying programs, Boise State is looking at cutting some class sections and reducing the number of adjunct faculty – outside instructors hired to teach specific classes.

The withering economy has also reduced Boise State's endowment by 32 percent to about $53 million. The endowment is a wellspring of money for hundreds of scholarships. Boise State will keep those scholarships intact for this year, but officials aren’t certain they can keep them for the next school year.

For more details, pick up Thursday's Idaho Statesman.

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Bill Roberts: 377-6408

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