Following a recent $7 million cutback by the Iowa Legislature, Iowa State is requesting an extra $2 million in state appropriations for the next academic year. The Board of Regents will review Iowa State’s preliminary budget and requests for the upcoming year during its meeting this Thursday.

The proposal for an increase in state appropriations was drafted by ISU officials to provide $450,000 to cover increased costs with travel abroad courses and $1.55 million for high priority needs including building repairs, deferred maintenance and fire safety.

Last May, the Board of Regents considered the major issues in Iowa State’s budget and provided their guidance and suggestions. Since that time, Iowa State officials have drafted their preliminary operating budget to be addressed by the Board of Regents on Thursday. Next July, the Board will receive the finalized Iowa State budget for approval.

The preliminary budget submitted to the Board of Regents outlined the proposed redistribution of university funds.

$10.4 million in funds is planned to be reallocated over the next year. Individual colleges have reduced their administrative and supplies budgets for the next year and have saved money from the retirements and resignations of professors and staff.

Funds are planned to be redirected to support key research in areas including Food Safety and Security, Human Computer Interaction, Combinatorial Discovery, Bioeconomy and Information Infrastructure.

Iowa State also has had to plan for the two percent salary increase for continuing faculty and staff for the upcoming year. The increase was rejected by the Iowa Legislature last May, leaving the university budget to make up the difference. The University felt the increase was necessary, State supported or not, in order to maintain a high standard of faculty and staff in the competitive market. The additional funds are planned to come out of the individual departments and through fund raising.

Although the budget crunch is forcing the redirection of funds in departments and programs across the University, multiple revenues are expected for the upcoming year, according to the preliminary budget proposal. The university anticipates a $23.9 million revenue from increased tuition and fees and $3 million for increased grant and contact activity.