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Meeting the State Budget Challenge

Sent to University students

February 9, 2009

On Friday, I updated all University of Minnesota faculty and staff regarding the University's changing financial picture and our plans to quickly address proposed state cuts. It is important for our students to understand that the University's budget principles, strategic priorities, and commitment to its public mission will not change.

• Quality. We remain committed to providing you with a world-class education and a degree valued by employers around the world.
• Support. We will continue to aggressively pursue creative ways of providing financial support for students with need.
• Affordability. Both the University leadership and the Board of Regents are committed to keeping a University education affordable—so while we are examining a range of possible tuition increases on top of the planned 4.5 percent increase, such increases will only be considered after available cost reductions have been maximized.

It is important to recognize that we are only at the beginning of a lengthy legislative process. We will continue to make a strong case for reducing the cuts to the University and making higher education a long-term priority in Minnesota—and I hope to have your support.

Sincerely,

Robert H. Bruininks