President Dean Bresciani announced Tuesday in an email to university employees that North Dakota State will lose roughly 17 percent of its annual state funding. Governor Doug Burgum finalized the decision by approving the actions of the 65th Legislative Assembly, which adjourned April 27.
For context, NDSU has an annual operating budget of approximately $458 million dollars with 28 percent currently coming from the state. “It goes without saying that we are in the midst of one of NDSU’s greatest-ever challenges,” Bresciani said.
A potential tuition increase of 4 percent each of the next two years and the reception of the outstanding $1.6 million from the 2009 collapse of Minard Hall will combat the nearly $77.8 million cut.
Regardless of cuts, NDSU shows promising growth. Twenty-five hundred eligible students can participate in this year’s spring graduation, making it the largest in NDSU’s history.
The assembly approved other projects that continue helping the university grow in both physical size and number of enrolled students. “We are starting on a path to recovery,” Bresciani said.
The projects include a privately-funded addition to Sudro Hall, a new residence hall located west of the existing Seim and Thompson Halls and initial plans to replace the University Village complex.
The Sudro Hall addition allows the university’s nursing and masters of public health programs to continue thriving.
Nursing programs at the university will be kept, even those in collaboration with Bismarck State College. The on-campus registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing completion program and doctor of nursing practice program will continue operating.
Successful healthcare programs prepare graduates for the chance to fill growing healthcare positions throughout North Dakota.
Other approvals made by the assembly include re-establishing campus police’s ability to work with local police to maintain safety in areas close to all campus buildings and creating exceptions in public record laws.
The 65th Legislative Assembly consisted of 47 senators and 94 representatives from North Dakota. Their legislature affects all universities and colleges in the state.