Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1944 [PAGE 125]

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122

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[ O c t o b e r 1"]

23. Future Public Relations Program: Addition of a general administrative officer is contemplated, to bring to the people of Illinois a better knowledge of what the University is, what it does, and what it hopes to do. 24. Publications by the University Press: Plans have long been considered for the expansion of the University Press and for the publication of scholarly books and monographs. Funds for this purpose have been proposed in each of the last two bienniums, but it has been necessary to eliminate them. This is one of the most important forward steps that can be taken by an institution which desires to promote its distinction and serve the traditions of culture and research. These efforts to secure funds will be continued in the next biennial budget, until a program of publications worthy of the University of Illinois is firmly established. BIENNIAL BUDGET FOR 1 9 4 3 - 1 9 4 5

On request of the President of the University, the Comptroller presented the following statement.

T h e law requires that the University file with the State Department of Finance, not later than November 1 next, the budget for the biennium beginning July I, 1043. In accordance with the provisions of the University Statutes, the President has called on the University Council of Deans, Directors, and members elected from the University Senate, to make recommendations concerning the budget. T h e budget estimates for 1943-1045 as approved by the University Council are transmitted as the best presentation of the essential needs of the University that can be made at this time. In view of tremendous uncertainties ahead, even in the next few months, I recommend approval of these estimates with the understanding that important revisions may be necessary before the appropriation bill is drafted. I further recommend that the President of the University be authorized to prepare and file with the State Department of Finance the University's budget for 1943-1945, as recommended herein, in accordance with the amounts and items included and in the form required by the Department. T h e budget for the biennium 1943-1945 is the most difficult to prepare of any similar budget for a number of years. T o predict enrollments for two and one-half years ahead with any degree of accuracy is well nigh an impossibility. T o what extent educational institutions can continue to function along previous lines or must adjust themselves still further to war conditions cannot at this time be foretold. Staff changes, especially due to leaves for war service of various kinds, will increase in number. W h e n leaves of absence for such persons are granted, the positions must be maintained in the budget but in many instances it will not be necessary to make expenditures for replacement. Salary and wage rates cannot be regarded as entirely static, although the recent executive order of the President of the United States will tend to hold salaries of certain groups at present levels. Prices of commodities will tend to become stabilized at present levels, but these prices are higher than the University up to this time in most instances has been obliged to pay because of forward buying prior to recent increases, and, even with prices stabilized, the University has adjustments to make to bring itself in accord with that level. While purchases of equipment generally cannot be made, expense of repairs and maintenance must increase in order to extend the life of present equipment. Preliminary Budget Policies: As a basis for the preparation of the 19431045 budget, the University Council considered and adopted recommendations of the Advisory Committee of the Bureau of Institutional Research as presented in Memorandum No. 256, dated July 16, 1042, a copy of which is deposited with the Secretary for record. T h e essential phases of this recommendation are contained in Section II, "The War-time Budget," pages 3 to 5 of the memorandum. Budget Requests of Administrative Officers: Memorandum 256, after approval by the University Council, was submitted to all administrative officers with forms for transmittal of budget estimates. T h e results of this action are contained in Memorandum 261, which was submitted to the University Council on October 8, 1942, and was approved by the Council, after certain modifications of original policy.