Campus Community:
As we round out another academic year, having graduated 2,300 students in an exhilarating commencement program last weekend, I wish to express appreciation to each of you for another successful year. Our faculty and staff are the most valuable resource we have. Each of you dedicates your talents and energy to ensure we fulfill our mission and provide our students with a transformational experience. Thank you.
I also want to update you in regards to the budget situation. I wish I could tell you with certainty what UMD’s budget for the upcoming year will look like. However, due to the continued state budget discussions at the Capitol, our own budget situation is still unclear. We do know that the state legislature did pass an education bill for Governor Dayton’s approval Sunday night. The bill includes $53 million for the University of Minnesota System, of which $30 million is for the medical school. If passed, this budget allocation would not be sufficient to fund a two-year tuition freeze.
At this point, it is still unclear exactly what our level of state funding will be or how that will impact UMD and our campus community. As this continues to unfold I will keep you apprised. Thank you again for a great academic year. I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
