Pitt's Budget Proposal Seeks to Maintain University's Level of Excellence

September 25, 2001

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh has submitted a proposal for its 2002-2003 state appropriation to the Pennsylvania Education Department that will help the University maintain its current levels of excellence and remain competitive with the other major American research universities, thus preserving Pitt's role as a prestigious national educational leader partnering with the Commonwealth in its quest to become the standard-bearer in the 21st-century economy.

"The Commonwealth has become a major force in an increasingly technology-centered world and Pennsylvania's public research universities have been indispensable and valued partners in this transformation," said Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg. "The engine of the new economy is the knowledge that is created through innovation and discovery, an engine that is driven by talented individuals who have the vision to uncover all the possibilities that result from these exciting explorations. It is the research conducted at these universities that produces the new discoveries, new concepts, and new technologies, and it is the faculty and graduates of these institutions who realize the potential of new knowledge.

"The Commonwealth relies upon this partnership to develop new products and processes, to provide the workforce for the global economy, to create jobs, and to spawn development of new companies."

For the upcoming fiscal year, Pitt is requesting an increase to its Commonwealth appropriation of approximately $7.7 million, or 4.3 percent, in its base appropriation. This includes an increase of 6.5 percent in its educational and general line, and an increase of

4 percent for recurring line items.

"We are most grateful for the support we have received in the past from the Governor and the General Assembly," Nordenberg said. "But if we are to maintain and enhance our excellence, and if we are to continue to partner successfully with Pennsylvania to 'invent the future,' we must have a sustained and adequate investment from the Commonwealth, and particularly an investment in our core budget."

Pitt's budget submission also indicates that receipt of the requested increase in appropriations would allow the University to hold increases in undergraduate tuition for in-state students to no more than 4 percent, and provide at least a

4 percent boost in the compensation pool, which is needed to help the University remain competitive in its efforts to recruit and retain high-quality faculty.

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