RADFORD -- Radford University will rely primarily on holding some positions vacant, departmental restructuring and reduced operating expenses so that its core educational mission and implementation of the strategic plan will not be affected by today’s state-mandated budget cuts.

“Now that we know the specifics, we will work with our staff and Board of Visitors to ensure that we do everything we can to preserve our core mission of educating our students, to accomplish long-range goals, and to provide these services as efficiently as we can,” said RU President Penelope W. Kyle.

In light of the nationwide economic downturn and reduced state revenue projections, Gov. Tim Kaine today ordered Radford University to cut the general fund portion of its Educational and General budgets by 5 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. Additional cuts could be announced later this year for fiscal year 2009-2010.

For Radford University, a 5 percent cut translates into a $2.5 million reduction. In preparation for today’s announcement, the RU cabinet worked with deans, directors and department heads over the past month to develop contingency plans that involved reductions of 5 percent, 10 percent and 15 percent.

President Kyle and her staff, working in consultation with the Board of Visitors, will now review these plans to address the Governor’s targeted cut.

“We will not raise tuition this school year for our students,” pledged President Kyle. “We must do everything we can to make sure our students’ education – indeed, their very future – remains affordable and attainable.”

Areas that are not funded by the state and not subject to today’s mandate include financial assistance for students; grant-sponsored research and programs; and auxiliary services such as dining, residential, athletics, student activities and student health.

Since 76.3 percent of Radford University’s budget is tied to personnel costs – and the state funds 51.3 percent of that amount – any state-mandated budget reduction necessarily impacts staffing levels.

Under the university’s 5 percent contingency plan, the delaying of filling some vacant positions would generate $893,561 in savings, or about one-third of the targeted cut.

Additional savings could be realized with an organizational restructuring in certain departments such as the Office of University Relations. Its Vice President position, currently vacant, will be abolished and the office will be assumed into the Office of Advancement. Should any full-time employees be laid off, they would be eligible for severance benefits under the state Workforce Transition Act.

Reduced operational support in areas such as travel, professional development, contractual services, materials, equipment and printing would offset about $1.1 million in cuts under RU’s 5 percent contingency plan.

Other potential savings could include extending computer replacement cycles, reducing technology improvements, reducing maintenance of buildings and grounds, and outsourcing some services.