N.J. colleges request additional funds from state

New Jersey's college presidents voted unanimously Monday to request an additional $208.6 million in higher education funding from the state following several years of stretched finances.

The proposals were passed at a meeting of the Executive Board of the New Jersey Presidents' Council at Rutgers University. The presidents said money is needed to maintain campuses and keep tuition affordable.

President Tilghman did not attend Monday's meeting, but the University is represented on the Executive Board by the chair of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey (AICUNJ).

"Princeton University fully supports the FY 2006 Budget Policy Statement adopted this week by the Presidents' Council Executive Board," University Director of Public Affairs Karen Jezierny said in an email. "That statement calls for increased state funding, mainly in two areas — institutional operating support and student financial aid."

The state budget for higher education is nearly $1.5 billion, but with a $4 billion budget deficit, the state treasurer has already warned state departments to prepare for budget cuts.

"Most of the colleges and universities in the state operate at or close to full capacity, face pressures to preserve existing campuses and enhance quality to address growing demands," said Robert Altenkirch, president of the New Jersey Institute of Technology and head of the Council's budget committee.

"Consequently, the requests for increased funding are necessary to educational opportunity, improve quality, and ensure that the physical plants are up to date and do not fall into disrepair," he said.

Princeton receives its portion of state funding through the Independent College and University Act, which outlines the formula that allocates funds among New Jersey's 14 independent institutions. The Presidents' Council statement this year calls for a $3.24 million increase in the funding formula for independent institutions.

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"Should the additional funding be appropriated by the legislature and approved by the acting governor — as the Presidents' Council recommends — Princeton would use those funds to support a wide range of operating needs," Jezierny said. "If the funding is not forthcoming, the University would find other means to fund those needs."

The request for a funding increase is also intended to relieve the difficulties of the public institutions most affected by funding cuts made in 2002. Those cuts led to sharp increases in tuition fees at many of the state's public four-year colleges.

"The Policy Statement also calls for additional aid to NJ college students. Princeton fully supports this initiative," Jezierny said.

The $206.8 million specified by the Executive Council includes requests for $158.3 million in operating aid, $14.3 million in student financial aid and $36 million for campus building projects, which will be allocated among all New Jersey colleges and universities.

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"The Presidents' Council appreciates the support received in the past, but realizes the fiscal constraints the state faces," Altenkirch said. "We are optimistic that the request will be well-received because it is focused and sends a clear message, and the state still works with us on doing what is possible this budget cycle."