<p>*"How much does the college plan to cut from the (2004) operating budget?</p>
<p>A. The plan not only includes cuts, but also revenue increases and new spending in priority areas. Overall, by 2006-07, we expect to reduce spending by $5.1 million, or 3.2%, and to increase revenues by $1.7 million, or 1.1%, over what is in the current financial plan. However, the relatively small cut in spending masks a significant reallocation of resources. In reality, we will reduce existing budgets by $10.9 million, or 6.8%, to free up $5.8 million to reinvest in priority needs."*</p>
<p>My question is, how should I consider this matter w/respect to helping my D decide whether or not to attend Smith or elsewhere?</p>
<p>The endowment increased some $300,000,000 since that FAQ was written. % of endowment spent on yearly budget was reduced from 5.25% to 4.75% (which is really what that FAQ was about), but the increase in endowment more than made up the difference. In addition, as I understand it, funding for the new science center was oversubscribed from special grants and large contributors. So Pres. Christ has (with help of the stock market) righted the financial ship which was leaking under Simmons, has raised funds for all the Simmons initiatives and, I expect, the best is yet ahead.</p>
<p>You had me scared for a sec. As Mini indicates, old news (2004) and things are on course. I've not heard of anything the past almost-three years that indicates students being affected negatively by budget consideration. That was in fact a current item when D was looking to commit and the overall picture was fairly reassuring at that time.</p>
<p>mini's right, the endowment has increased significantly since that was written, and while lots of money is being poured into a new multi-phase complex, there's a reason that the first building is going to be called "Ford Hall". ;)</p>