NIU will receive an 8.2 percent decrease of about $9.1 million in its general revenue fund for operations for fiscal year 2004.

Kathy Buettner, associate vice president for state and federal relations for NIU, said that all Illinois public universities received that decrease.

Ken Zehnder, assistant director of state and federal relations, said the only exceptions were Chicago State University and University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. U of I had an overall decrease of 7.7 percent because of their health programs.

NIU did not receive funding for any capital improvement projects. Some projects the university requested funds for was to renovate Stevens Building and Wirtz Hall.

However, NIU will share in capital renewal money, which is used for ongoing projects at public universities and community colleges. $30 million has been budgeted for projects across higher education. The exact figure NIU will receive has not been determined.

Buettner also said that $12 million has been added back to the 5-year MAP grants so students, again, have the opportunity of apply for them.

NIU’s Board of Trustees approved the fiscal 2005 budget guidelines at their meeting June 5.

According to the new guidelines, there will be a 5 percent pay increase for faculty and staff.

The percentage is part of a 3 plus 2 plan, which is 3 percent for merit and 2 percent to catch up for no increments in 2003.

About $1.6 million was set aside for the maintenance and operation of the Center for Diversity Resources, Barsema Hall, Convocation Center and the Family Violence Center. Eddie Williams, vice president of finance and facilities, pointed out that there was no initial money set aside to operate and maintain those facilities.

The BOT is required to approve the budget by early summer so that it can be submitted to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for review.

The BOT also approved a request for a new $8.8 million student services system which would be financed over five years.

Williams said discussion for the new system did not happen overnight and has been in planning for about four years.

The new system will be implemented in stages, Williams said.