Higher Ed Utah

Funding recommendation includes key priorities for Utah’s colleges and universities

SALT LAKE CITY – The 2013-14 budget recommendation released by Governor Gary Herbert today contains good news for Utah’s institutions of higher education. The Governor’s budget includes the top three priorities for the Utah System of Higher Education, which were requested by the State Board of Regents, with the support of the eight institutional presidents.

The budget proposal includes a 1% increase in compensation, mirroring the increase recommended for state employees. It also includes $11 million for Mission-Based Performance Funding, including Equity. The Governor has also allocated $20 million to advance the state’s goal that 66% of Utah adults hold a higher education credential by 2020. In this first year of a seven-year plan, the Utah System of Higher Education will focus on building capacity toward graduating more students in the high growth fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and the health professions. The state’s investment will be matched by the eight USHE institutions through innovation, efficiency and reprioritization.

“Governor Herbert has followed through on his pledge to put education first and has shown strong leadership in supporting the role of higher education as the way toward continued economic growth. These budget priorities are key to ensuring that higher education in Utah continues to be accessible, affordable and of the highest quality,” said Dave Buhler, Commissioner of Higher Education for the state of Utah.

Also included in the Governor’s budget recommendation is $6.5 million for the University of Utah School of Medicine to increase the size of its incoming classes by 20 students a year for the next four years. Herbert also allocated $350,000 for the Higher Education Technology Initiative, $600,000 for Technology Intensive Concurrent Enrollment, and $100,000 each for the Utah Data Alliance and the Utah Women and Education Initiative. On capital facilities, the Governor recommended $45 million for the construction of a new classroom building at Utah Valley University and $3.975 million for planning and design of a new science building at Weber State University. There is also $1.5 million for Dixie State College to purchase land currently occupied by East Elementary in order to accommodate growth at the college.

“We look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to realize these priorities in the upcoming 2013 session,” said Commissioner Buhler.