SRU trustees approve budget proposal for 2022-23

The Slippery Rock University council of trustees, including student trustee Brooklyn Graham, a senior political science major, approved the University’s proposed budget for 2022-23.

Sept. 23, 2022

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — The Slippery Rock University council of trustees approved the University's proposed budget for 2022-23 at the council's quarterly business meeting, Sept. 23, at the Smith Student Center.

With a 7-3 vote, the trustees approved the 2022-23 proposed budget with total expenditures of $148 million and a projected surplus of $73,951. This includes a planned use of $3 million in prior year allocations for student aid and other non-personnel, strategic initiatives. The proposed budget, which will be forwarded to the Pennsylvania Board of Governors for approval at its next meeting, Oct. 20, increased by 2.9% compared to last year.

SRU received an additional $9.7 million in state appropriations, helping to offset a deficit resulting from enrollment decreases and increased expenses for services and supplies. The University has kept tuition flat since 2018-19.

"We're grateful for the substantial increase in state appropriation because without it, the University would require additional revenue sources or have to reduce expenses to balance the budget," said Carrie Birckbichler, SRU vice president for finance and administration. "The proposed budget the trustees approved allows us to continue to serve our students and carry out the mission of the University."

The only other action item on the agenda was a resolution regarding an adjustment to SRU's Green Fund, but that was tabled to the next meeting.

The council also heard the President's Report, received reports from its standing committees, and reviewed finance and divisional reports. Amber Hamilton, instructor of exploratory studies and academic progress, and Elizabeth Geib Chavin, assistant professor of languages, literatures, cultures and writing also gave a presentation on SRU's Tutorial and Writing Center.

The SRU trustees' next quarterly meetings are Dec. 8-9, 2022.

More information, including meeting minutes, agendas, video recordings and reports, are available on the SRU council of trustees webpage.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854  | justin.zackal@sru.edu