Zero Base Budgeting In Colleges And Universities

This book is designed to help college/university faculty and academic administrators become more constructive and knowledgeable participants in the budgetary process. Chapter 1 introduces budgets and the budgetary process, with an explanation of the importance of budgeting in policy making, Chapter 2 discusses economic and political contexts of budgeting and describes the framework for the budgetary process both on and off campus. It addresses the importance of enrollments as a major factor in resource issues, sources of funds, how state and local governments differ with respect to wealth and willingness to tax wealth, and other issues. Chapter 3 identifies factors that distinguish the budgetary process of one institution from that of another, focusing on capital budgets and operating budgets, budget cycles, participants in budgeting, and chronology of budgetary processes. Chapter 4 describes how participants influence the operating and capital budgetary processes. It discusses the need for flexibility, the relationship between risk and budgets, and how changes in institutional character can influence the budgetary process. Chapter 5 discusses budgetary planning for reallocation and retrenchment, emphasizing that the least disruptive strategies are those that are implemented in anticipation of fiscal stringency rather than in the midst of a financial crisis. An appendix describes several approaches to budgeting, such as zero base budgeting and performance budgeting. (Each chapter contains references.) (JDD)

This book will help new administrators (department chairs, directors, deans) understand and become more proficient in their financial management role within the institution. Highly accessible, practitioners will be able to put the book's guidance to immediate use in their work. It is also grounded in the latest knowledge base and filled with examples from across all types of institutions, so that it makes an ideal text for a courses in graduate programs in higher education leadership and administration. Specifically, the book: • provides an understanding of the basics of budgeting and fiscal management in higher education • defines the elements of a budget, the budget cycle, and the steps for creating a budget • suggests ways of avoiding common pitfalls and problems of managing budgets • contains effective strategies for dealing with loss of resources • includes end-of-chapter reflection questions and an expanded glossary of terms Written in plain language this volume provides practical approaches to many complex problems in fiscal management. This new edition of the book contains new information in every chapter reflecting both the most recent developments in higher education and feedback from readers of the earlier edition. The information on the current higher education financial environment has been updated, and the case studies have been revised. Readers will be introduced to Bowen's theory of resources and expenses as an important way to understand budgetary decision making in colleges and universities. Special attention is paid to the use of restricted funds, the budget implications of faculty appointments and the challenges caused by personnel policies for staff. In addition, greater attention is given to development and implementation of repair and replacement programs in auxiliary enterprises. The challenges that arise when budget problems are postponed are also discussed. The volume contains a number of suggestions for practitioners with new budgeting and fiscal responsibilities.

"In this volume of New Directions for Community Colleges, key issues and practices will be addressed on the following topics: The contemporary challenge of meeting growing demands for increased student persistence and success; diminishing state support for higher education; new calls for accountability and ways to measure institutional effectiveness; the increasing reliance of many community colleges on grants and other sources of revenue; and college policies that have significant financial ramifications" -- page 4 of cover.