Dear faculty members and administrators,

As you probably know, the New York State legislature passed a budget on
Thursday, overriding the governor’s veto.  I want to report to you key provisions of
the budget pertaining to CUNY and, therefore, Baruch.

In the budget, the legislature projects a $950 increase in in-state tuition for
undergraduate and graduate students at CUNY’s senior colleges to offset cuts in
state funding for the university.  The legislature’s target for out-of-state tuition
represents a more dramatic increase.

Ultimately, the authority to raise tuition rests with CUNY’s Board of Trustees.  While
these proposed increases are more than CUNY anticipated, they will provide a
framework for the trustees’ decision.  Informally, we have heard that the trustees will
seek to lower the tuition increase for undergraduates and to find an alternative to the
dramatic increase in out-of-state tuition.  To help achieve those goals, the trustees
may consider raising in-state graduate tuition beyond $950.  They may also consider
raising tuition at the community colleges.

The budget passed on Thursday fully funds TAP, the state’s main financial aid
program, to cover the cost of the proposed tuition increases at CUNY and restores
full funding for the SEEK program and for day care at the university’s senior
colleges.

Even with anticipated tuition increases, Baruch will continue to represent an
excellent educational value.  The quality of our people and programs is high.  With
your help, we can continue to build a stronger Baruch that will benefit students and
our city and state for generations to come.

Ned Regan
President