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Torgersen Responds to Budget Plan Request

Virginia Tech Spectrum, September 22, 1994

We have received instructions to prepare plans for additional General Fund reductions of 2, 4, and 6 percent. These reductions, if implemented, would be incorporated into the university's 1995-96 budget, which will be considered by the General Assembly early in 1995. If enacted, they would represent the sixth General Fund reduction since 1990.

Since the budget reductions began four years ago, Virginia Tech has examined closely its programs and operations and has effected significant change through elimination of positions, streamlining administrative processes, reexamining academic programs and priorities, and both across-the-board and targeted budget reductions. Along with the other colleges and universities, we recently submitted a far-reaching plan to the State Council of Higher Education and the secretary of education. This plan, called "Restructuring Virginia Tech," details our efforts to control costs while improving the quality of education we provide our students and the service we provide the commonwealth.

We agree with Governor Allen that tuition increases should be limited to no more than the increase in inflation. If General Fund support is withdrawn, serious programmatic reductions at the university will have to be considered. We will submit our plan in accordance with the budget-reduction instructions, but we sincerely hope that it will not be necessary for the governor and the General Assembly to implement the plan.