UH-Manoa faces shortfall ADVERTISING UH-Manoa faces shortfall HONOLULU (AP) — The flagship campus of the University of Hawaii faces a $31 million shortfall, and officials might stop hiring as part of the effort to get spending under control. The University
UH-Manoa faces shortfall
HONOLULU (AP) — The flagship campus of the University of Hawaii faces a $31 million shortfall, and officials might stop hiring as part of the effort to get spending under control.
The University of Hawaii-Manoa is facing the fourth year of declining enrollment. The tuition shortfall, decreasing state support and rising energy and personnel costs account for the deficit.
Interim chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman says he’s actively seeking ways to cut spending, but warns the deficit could keep growing as officials re-evaluate spending priorities.
“Our goal is to fly level for this year, and during this year try to reconnoiter and figure out where we’re going to go in the future,” said Bley-Vroman, who took over as interim chancellor Sept. 1.
Deans and directors have been asked to find ways to restrict spending this year. Those measures might involve halting new hires.
“I know that each individual dean is going to have (to) work on what is best for the dean’s college,” Bley-Vroman said. “We’ll probably see less new faculty hiring in the future — again, that will differ unit by unit, but I know that’s one thing we’re considering.”
The school brings in about $130 million in net tuition each year. The campus had a $2.6 million deficit in 2012, even though it started the year with a $21 million surplus in tuition revenue.
University of Hawaii administrators instructed campus officials to spend down some of the reserves so state officials didn’t view them as too healthy, said Kathy Cutshaw, Manoa’s vice chancellor for administration, finance and operations.
The surplus was spent on increasing faculty salaries, and upgrading student laboratory space and information technology.
Tuition revenues were subsequently spent on faculty salary restorations, student laboratory space and information technology upgrades.
Governor fills UH board seats
HONOLULU (AP) — Gov. Neil Abercrombie is appointing four people to fill vacant positions on the University of Hawaii Board of Regents.
The governor said in a statement Monday he’s nominating retired state Supreme Court justice Simeon Acoba to the Honolulu seat.
State Department of Health Kauai district health officer Dr. Dileep Bal is being nominated to fill the Kauai seat.
Former Hawaii County Councilman Peter Hoffmann is being named to represent the Big Island on the board.
The governor is nominating Maui Coastal Land Trust founder Helen Nielsen to fill the Maui seat.
The state Senate must approve the appointments. The nominees will serve on an interim basis until the Senate votes.
