At last week's monthly meeting, the Board of Trustees was given a presentation on the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2005 and approved a set of assumptions used in its preparation.

The preliminary budget is based on the same funding levels from the state's general fund as the current fiscal year. "The college will receive a 0 percent increase, and we do not expect any rescissions," Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance Natalie Lutes told the Board.

Three tuition increase scenarios were presented: 0 percent, 1.1 percent and 4.5 percent, although the 1.1 percent increase is included in the state legislature's budget and is most likely. Assuming no change in enrollment, the college expects to have about $500,000 in additional funds with a total operating budget of approximately $75 million.

Through the reallocation of funds, the reduction in the college's reserve fund and accounting changes, these are among the assumptions contained in the preliminary budget: Salary increases of 3 percent for faculty, administrators and classified staff and other increased personnel costs, for a total increase of $1.7 million. Scholarships and financial aid will continue to be funded except for a $100,000 reduction in scholarships to student-athletes, based on an earlier agreement with the Athletic Department. If the college is indeed allowed to increase tuition by 1.1 percent, a vice president for information technology position will be created and the Teacher Education program will receive additional funds.

The preliminary budget is contained in the May 5 Board of Trustees agenda, which can be found at http://www.mscd.edu/welcomectr/trustees/boardmeetings.htm