Strained. That is how times have seemed in Student Life over the course of the previous 9 months. Physical resources, tapped. Mental health and emotional energy, at wits end. Fiscal resources are no different for colleges and universities. As has been stated before, but probably cannot be overstated, we are in unprecedented times.
Even though we are still in the muck and mire of what seems to be a never-ending saga, business and fiscal offices either have begun or will soon begin their budget processes for the 2021-2022 academic year. Obviously, not everyone is a decision-maker on departmental budgets, but I will be so bold to say that every individual has the opportunity to affect a budget. So, your question might be, “Well what can I do then?”
Many are already forced to think differently about the way our normal activities and operations run in Student Life. Budgets have been tightened, and, in some worst-case scenarios, even eliminated. It may be fair to say that some of these points have been worked through, but here are some things to consider regardless of your actual or perceived role in relation to budgets.
Be forward thinking. This goes well beyond next semester or even next academic and fiscal year. As the world of Student Life continues to shift to meet and create our current world, we should be thinking about the sustainability of practices for those behind us. When shifting practices and programs, consider the flexibility it could have into our future years and what that might mean for implementation and operationalizing by future staff and future budgets.
Instead of saying, “do more with less,” maybe ask, “is this an opportunity to do less?” This is not a scapegoat to do less work. Rather, this is an opportunity to think about a cost(s) that you normally would have in your budget that could be removed to shift some of that physical and emotional energy that is dwindling to an area of your work that needs it more.
Consider need versus want. Students and staff alike are inundated with messaging about how each college or university is proceeding through each week, month, semester. The saliency of most important needs has shifted as quickly as Top Thrill Dragster for both students and staff. For some Student Life areas needs far surpass support and focus on life-safety or legal obligations. All realms of Student Life are important, but now is the time more than ever to weigh what we need to do to make sure our students and teams are safe and get what they need with the cool, adventurous, fun things we want our students to experience on their developmental journey.
The unfortunate truth may be that once we “return to normal,” it is possible that budgets will take even longer to bounce back (if at all). As you and your team navigate budget season for the next year, these points may help you get to a solid foundation to from which to build. Your friendly neighborhood fiscal teams will thank you.