An important budget message from North Dakota University System Chancellor William Goetz is now online.

According to Goetz, the 2009-11 needs-based budget request was submitted to the governor by the State Board of Higher Education for consideration during the upcoming legislative session. The video presentation, titled “Investing in North Dakota’s Future,” is intended to help students, faculty and staff understand the budget request and its potential impact.

“This budget request consists of a number of strategic investment opportunities,” Goetz said. “The 2009-11 budget request was developed in direct response to the needs expressed by private sector business leaders of this state, legislators, the university system colleges and universities, students and parents who share the cost of higher education.”

During the online presentation, Goetz notes that a top priority is to keep tuition rates affordable and financial aid available. He also discusses the need to provide salaries for faculty and staff that are competitive, and how resources are necessary for public-private partnerships that will stimulate the economy.

“State Board of Higher Education board members are constitutionally mandated to submit to the governor and the legislature a needs-based budget request. They must consider the budget proposal on the basis of how the university system can best respond to the state’s needs and public expectations,” Goetz said. “As a student, or a member of our faculty and staff, I hope you will agree that an investment in the North Dakota University System is an investment in a brighter future for our students, the people of North Dakota and the state of North Dakota.”

“Investing in North Dakota’s Future” is available at www.ndsu.edu/legislators. Click on “Message from NDUS Chancellor William Goetz – 2009-2011 higher education budget.”