Wright State proposes fiscal 2013 budget to trustees

Mark Polatajko, vice president for business and fiscal affairs, said Wright State has been successful in strategically responding to the challenge of recent fiscal years.

Wright State proposed its fiscal 2013 budget to its Board of Trustees which is designed to capitalize on WSU financial stewardship, delivering student success and driving economic development.

The university proposed an annual operating budget of $301 million. The operating budget, presented to trustees May 24, is virtually identical in total to that of 2012. It is part of an overall budget of nearly $444 million, which includes money for restricted use that comes from research grants and contracts. Enrollment is expected to remain steady, with full-time equivalency levels comparable to what they were last year.

The university asked trustees to approve an undergraduate tuition this fall of $8,354 per year, an increase of $284 per student over last year’s tuition of $8,070. Wright State’s tuition is tracking at, or below, the U.S. national average for four-year public universities.

“Wright State has one of the most affordable tuitions among Ohio’s public universities and will continue to offer a high quality education at an affordable price,” said President David R. Hopkins.

The budget strives to enhance student success, fuel economic development, spur entrepreneurism and provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

“Wright State’s financial outlook remains positive, and we continue to maintain a strong financial position,” said Mark Polatajko, vice president for business and fiscal affairs. “We will need to continue to optimize expenses in key categories such as energy and health care while delivering student success and driving economic development for the local region and beyond.”

Polatajko said Wright State has been successful in strategically responding to the challenge of recent fiscal years. The fiscal 2013 year budget continues on the path of sound fiscal stewardship providing for the ability to deliver a capital plan that invests in student success and strategically addresses the ongoing challenge of deferred capital maintenance.

For the budget presentation, visit: http://www.wright.edu/budgetworkshop2012