$5 million to be set aside each year medical school
Interim University President Kathy Wilbur’s request for cost centers to devise potential budget cuts has triggered concerns among many faculty members over Central Michigan University’s developing medical school.
Wilbur spoke at Tuesday’s Academic Senate meeting about her request for plans of 3, 6 and 9 percent budget cuts and the responsibility of department leaders to identify potential problems should a funding cut be implemented.
But faculty members were in an uproar over the money being set aside for CMU’s school of medicine.
“My concerns that I added were related to the increased transparency and the cost for the medical school,” said Laura Frey, associate professor of counseling and special education.
Currently, $5 million has been set aside annually from the operating budget for the medical school project, said David Burdette, vice president of finance and administrative services. The amount will be sufficient, he said, as long as planning for the school continues at its current pace.
The funds are set aside over the course of five years, or through the extent of development, Burdette said. Each year, any remaining expenses will carry on to the next, in addition to the funding.
Frey said setting aside money for the medical school in dire economic times is not financially prudent when departments must, at the same time, slice their budgets.
She asked Wilbur whether the money being set aside would be available for other colleges across campus if the project did not continue. Wilbur said they could be used.
“I did appreciate that at least she was indicating that the funds could be used,” Frey said.
Wilbur believes, realistically, cuts will have to be made to the general budget either way.
“We have to be prepared,” she said. “I do not hold out great hope that there will be additional funds from the state.”
Well invested
Ray Christie, vice provost for Academic Administration, said it ius absolutely essential that cost centers prioritize costs for core functions in their 3, 6 and 9 percent proposals.
He said the medical school is an important project and the university will continue with its plans.
“The Board has made a decision and we’re well invested along the way,” Christie said.
Burdette said it has been estimated the school will cost up to $15 million a year once it is established.
Orlando Perez, political science department chairman, understands the money being set aside is crucial for CMU to continue with plans for the medical school. But he does not think it is reasonable to continue with the project when there are many needs rising across campus.
Perez said he is glad the budget cuts requested from budget centers also are being asked of the medical school.
“I do appreciate Wilbur’s answer that the medical school is included in the proposal,” Perez said.
