Coastal Carolina University President David DeCenzo said his university could use the help, but that it isn't budgeting for any of the disputed $700 million in stimulus funds that Governor Sanford reluctantly secured on Friday.
Governor Sanford said the state has secured the money (about $2.8 billion total) but that the $700 million under his discretion will not go toward education as has been directed by Congress.
Of that $700 million, DeCenzo said institutions of higher education could have received around $42 million - some much-needed help in these tight budget times.
DeCenzo told members of the AAUP that CCU made a commitment when the recession began that its last resort would be faculty furloughs or layoffs. So far, the school has not laid off faculty, but it has frozen several administrative positions.
DeCenzo said a recent tuition increase will help with budget shortfalls, and he hopes to increase enrollment for 2009-2010 by at least 100 students.
DeCenzo acknowledged that further cuts in appropriations - he estimated another 10-15 percent - could mean implementing those last-resort furloughs and layoffs. But he insisted that's not an option at this point, and he was quick to quell rumors of imminent layoffs.
Next fiscal year's budget should be published within the next few weeks.
