The Effect of State Cuts on the Academic Senate’s Research Grant Budget
In December 2002, the Academic Senate implemented the 2002-03 budget reductions mandated by the state legislature. These reductions included a permanent10 percent cut to funds which support the Council on Research’s grant programs. As a result, the Council on Research (COR) was asked to return $200,657 of the state funds originally allocated for the current year and will receive 10% less for all future years.
On January 10, the governor announced additional cuts for 2003-04. While these reductions have not yet been finalized by the legislature, COR anticipates a second budget reduction of 10 percent, on top of the 10 percent already enacted in the 2002-03 budget.
These cuts have an immediate effect on the grant programs offered by COR. Particularly hard hit is the Faculty Grants Program (FGP). In previous years, COR has had an annual FGP budget of $1,741,680 to distribute among FGP award recipients. As of January 1, 2003, this budget was reduced to $1,567,512. Another 10 percent reduction in 2003-04 will reduce this budget to $1,410,760.
The 2003-04 FGP call for proposals is currently underway (deadline for submissions is March 6). In spite of these budget cuts, COR will continue its efforts to support UCLA faculty in their research and creative activity.