RADFORD -- The Radford University Board of Visitors formally adopted the university’s $156.6 million operating budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year during its November 11-12 meeting.

The budget reflects the university’s strategy for coping with the latest round of state-ordered budget cuts. The budget represents a $6.5 million or four percent decrease over the 2008-2009 operating budget. Members of the board praised university officials for preparing a budget that maintains the integrity of the university’s academic programs, positions it for success once the economic downturn ends, and minimizes the number of layoffs that will be required.

More than 50 positions will have to be cut from the payroll, according to the university’s Chief Financial Officer Richard Alvarez, but through the elimination of vacant positions and a number of employees who have elected to take advantage of state-supported early retirement incentives, the actual number of lay-offs may be as little as five.

The budget relies upon federal “stimulus” funds temporarily made available through the American Recovery and Investment Act (ARRA) as well as some carry-forward revenues that the university was able to preserve from the 2008-2009 budget year.

The board also approved a revised Internal Audit Charter, and passed resolutions recognizing the University’s Centennial Celebration and the contributions of retiring Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Norleen Pomerantz.

RU President Penelope Kyle suggested that aspects of the university’s existing strategic plan should be revisited in light of the university’s new fiscal environment. Rector Tommy Fraim expressed support for the initiative, which will include substantial involvement from faculty, students and staff.

The board also heard a variety of reports from student, faculty and campus leaders.

SGA President Matt Clem discussed student engagement with the university’s upcoming Centennial Celebration and informed the board that the students want the position of Vice President for Student Affairs to be filled as quickly as possible following the retirement of Dr. Pomerantz.

Faculty Senate President Dr. Stephen Owen commended the administration for their skill in managing a difficult budget situation and referenced concern about faculty morale, but pledged that the faculty is focused on the future and committed to helping make Radford University “a university of choice.”

During a report from the Student Affairs Committee, the BOV heard about an innovative web-based alcohol education program, improvements within the intercollegiate athletics program, and soaring student interest in clubs and organizations on campus.

The Academic Affairs Committee reported on the sudden passing of faculty member Dr. Paula Stanley, briefed the board on the progress of the DNP and DPT programs, and discussed the status of searches for two key administrative positions at the university.

The Business Affairs Committee report was focused on the budget and the revised Internal Audit Charter.

The Governance and Administration Committee reported to the board that private fund-raising was about on track for expectations in a challenging economy and that the major installation of a new IT-based multi-functional enterprise-wide management program was on time and on budget.

The group also heard a report on Radford’s Sustainability Initiatives from Dr. Dennis Grady, Dean of the University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies, who is informally proclaimed the “Sustainability Dean.” Grady detailed a number of ways in which RU is becoming an increasingly “green” campus. In October, President Kyle signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).

Four professors were granted emeriti status. These include Dr. James Knipe from the Department of Art in the College of Visual and Performing Arts; Mr. Charles Brouwer in the same department; Dr. Samuel Zeakes from the Department of Biology and Chemistry in the College of Science and Technology; and Dr. Steve Lerch from the Department of Sociology in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. Lerch recently retired as a vice provost.