At last night's final Council of the Princeton University Community's (CPUC) meeting of the year, Provost Christopher Eisgruber '83 said the University is currently operating at a deficit, which is expected to continue in 2005 and 2006.
His report was based on the Committee on Resources' deliberations on the 2006 fiscal year University budget.
Eisgruber said consistently rising energy prices have been wreaking havoc on the University's budget.
"The budget picture is gloomy," he said. "Deficits are currently between $4 million and $5 million and we project similar deficits for 2005 and 2006."
Eisgruber said the committee proposes cutbacks in building renovations to counteract energy costs.
"Deciding how to cut back on renovations will be difficult," he added.
Eisgruber said the University is already recognized as a national leader in conservation, another way of controlling energy costs.
"All new capital projects are being built to decrease the University's energy needs," President Tilghman added.
Just $500,000 in the budget is available for pressing needs — funds used to fill additional requests not included in the budget. However, there are almost $3.5 million in requests for these funds from the University community, Eisgruber said.
The committee plans to raise funds by suggesting an increase in tuition and fees for the 2005-2006 academic year.
Graduate students
The CPUC meeting also discussed graduate students' quality of life, which is lacking in areas such as on-campus health care during breaks and summer, said graduate students Leslie Hinkson and Jack Tinsley.
Along with Dean of the Graduate School William Russel, Hinkson and Tinsley presented an analysis of recent peer institution conferences.
"The good news is that we're doing well in a lot of respects in comparison to the other Ivies," Hinkson said. "We have access to and close interaction with the University's administration, even the president."
Russel said that in this fall's meeting of the Ivy Plus Group, a peer institution organization, the deans of all the graduate schools discussed their concerns regarding minority recruiting and retention.
Minority affairs "have always been a priority and an issue for graduate schools across the country," he said.
Russel suggested implementing minority alumni weekends, such as those in place at Cornell and Stanford Universities and the Wilson School.
Health and Well Being
Vice President Robert Durkee '69 presented the final report of the Task Force on Health and Well Being.
The report suggests improvements to the "healthcare, fitness, nutrition and wellbeing of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff," he said.
The task force proposes expanding the staff of University Health Services to include more mental health professionals, a nutritionist and an additional physician. It also suggests renovating Dillon Gymnasium and Stephens Fitness Center and adding satellite fitness areas on campus.
Read More
Economics professor Kate Ho passes away after long battle with cancer
Devon RudolphProfessor Kate Ho made seminal contributions to the economics of modeling competition in the healthcare sector and taught well-loved courses in industrial organization.
Professor Kate Ho made seminal contributions to the economics of modeling competition in the healthcare sector and taught well-loved courses in industrial organization.
Pedestrian left in critical condition after traffic collision on Nassau Street
Luke GrippoThe pedestrian was struck by a westbound 2015 Ford Explorer around 11:32 p.m. The driver was identified in the press release as a 39-year-old Princeton resident who cooperated with officers upon their arrival.
The pedestrian was struck by a westbound 2015 Ford Explorer around 11:32 p.m. The driver was identified in the press release as a 39-year-old Princeton resident who cooperated with officers upon their arrival.
Senior class jacket abruptly changed following accusations of AI design
Vitus LarrieuFor more than a century, Princeton seniors have donned “beer jackets” to protect their clothes during Reunions and commencement celebrations, typically with elaborate designs chosen by a class-wide contest. Now, with a selection process marred by accusations of generative AI use, the Class of 2026 may have written its own spot in Princeton history.
For more than a century, Princeton seniors have donned “beer jackets” to protect their clothes during Reunions and commencement celebrations, typically with elaborate designs chosen by a class-wide contest. Now, with a selection process marred by accusations of generative AI use, the Class of 2026 may have written its own spot in Princeton history.