Many CMU academic colleges receiving additional funding in new operating budget


Several Central Michigan University colleges will be seeing significantly more funding to support their programs according to the 2014-2015 budget approved by the CMU Board of Trustees June 24.

The College of Science and Technology is receiving $34 million out of the $462 million approved operating budget, an additional $1.8 million in funding compared to the previous year.

The college with the largest increase, the College of Business Administration, is up $2 million bringing its available funds to $24 million.

According to the approved operating budget, the College of Business Administration is receiving $3 million on supplies and equipment, $1.8 million more than in the previous budget.

This increase, however, does not necessarily mean the college is spending more on equipment.

“All the funds generated from tuition and state funding goes toward the academic centers first,” said Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services Barrie Wilkes. “We budget for salaries and benefits in the centers first, and whatever left goes to supplies and equipment.”

Wilkes said funding is allocated based on how many students register for classes in a particular college. If numbers go up, the college’s funding goes up.

“The amount in that fund is projected based on enrollment,” said Steve Smith, University Communications director. “That college tends to have the highest increase because it continuously shows the most growth.”

Every college is receiving more funding with the exception of two, the College of Medicine and the College of Communication and Fine Arts.

The College of Medicine’s budget change is minimal, receiving only $38,275 less than last year, but the College of Communication and Fine Arts will be seeing $415,500 less this year in funding.

Among other things in the budget that will have an impact on students, funds allocated to helping students pay for school have increased.

Total grants and financial aid available in the new budget are up $5.7 million although available dollars in the CMU Grant are down $642,139.

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