Savannah State University administrators are considering budget cuts to deal with recent enrollment and revenue declines.
University President Cheryl Dozier said in a recent letter to faculty and staff that enrollment has declined two consecutive years, which has resulted in a reduction in funding this fiscal year. Savannah State’s total budget declined from nearly $121 million from the fiscal year that ended June 30 to about $107 million this fiscal year, according to state data.
The university expects a reduction in state funding the next two budget cycles, she wrote.
“While we have taken some interim measures to address the loss of revenue, such as eliminating vacant positions and placing restrictions on new hires, these are not sustainable options given the budgetary circumstances,” she wrote.
University leaders are working with state officials on a plan “to meet the difficult challenges of budget realignment.” The process may take most of the academic year, university spokeswoman Loretta Heyward said Thursday.
Dozier discussed the potential changes in meetings with staff on Tuesday. Heyward stressed Thursday no employees at this point have been told they will be laid off.
Savannah State's enrollment dropped by 10 percent last fall, from nearly 5,000 students to about 4,400 students, according to University System of Georgia data. The system's enrollment increased by about 4,000 students to more than 325,000 students, a record total. Enrollment data for the current semester is expected to be released within the next month.
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