University of Wyoming President Dick McGinity said that falling energy prices could have a dramatic effect on UW’s budget request.
Speaking during his annual address to University Faculty and Staff McGinity noted that the revenue picture for the state budget is dire and that could especially impact his number one priority, salary increases for faculty and staff.
“But we may need to face the sobering prospect that tuition increases at UW and the reallocation of resources within the University may be our most likely avenues for compensation increases for faculty and staff.”
McGinity added that despite the economic downturn, the increases are needed because faculty at UW make 11-percent less than faculty at similar Universities, and UW staff make 17 percent less than similar employees who work for the state.
On other topics, McGinity is excited about an agreement between UW and Community Colleges that could make it easier for those who attended a Community College to get a four year degree from the University.
He also said an engineering, energy, and science initiative is already paying dividends by attracting more students and McGinity expressed excitement about an upcoming initiative to develop more quality teachers through the UW College of Education.