Provost Earl Lewis and Charlotte Johnson, Senior Vice Provost for Administration, presented a review of the budget process in preparation for fiscal year 2012-13 at the April 17 Faculty Council meeting. “Over the last few years, the academy has witnessed a major structural realignment, both at the macroeconomic level worldwide but also what that means for higher education,” Lewis said, noting the steady decline of net recovery income from tuition as well as the decline of indirect cost recovery from external grants, especially in the health sciences. As a result, the first budget model reviewed showed a $17.1 million operating deficit in all school activities. After working with deans on cost-saving measures, however, that projected deficit was reduced to $3.2 million (on a $741 million revenue budget). “Seven of our schools are now balanced in the model or will be contributing to their operating reserves,” Johnson said. While public health and nursing will be contributing to reserves, the two largest academic units, the college and the medical school, will have operating deficits. The budget will be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval on June 8.