Budgets and Financial Management in Higher Education

This book will help new administrators (department chairs, directors, deans) understand and become more proficient in their financial management role within the institution. Highly accessible, practitioners will be able to put the book's guidance to immediate use in their work. It is also grounded in the latest knowledge base and filled with examples from across all types of institutions, so that it makes an ideal text for a courses in graduate programs in higher education leadership and administration. Specifically, the book:

 •     provides an understanding of the basics of budgeting and fiscal management in higher education

•      defines the elements of a budget, the budget cycle, and the steps for creating a budget

•      suggests ways of avoiding common pitfalls and problems of managing budgets

•      contains effective strategies for dealing with loss of resources

•      includes end-of-chapter reflection questions and an expanded glossary of terms 

Written in plain language this volume provides practical approaches to many complex problems in fiscal management.

This new edition of the book contains new information in every chapter reflecting both the most recent developments in higher education and feedback from readers of the earlier edition.  The information on the current higher education financial environment has been updated, and the case studies have been revised.  Readers will be introduced to Bowen's theory of resources and expenses as an important way to understand budgetary decision making in colleges and universities.  Special attention is paid to the use of restricted funds, the budget implications of faculty appointments and the challenges  caused by personnel policies for staff. In addition,  greater attention is given to development and implementation of repair and replacement programs in auxiliary enterprises.  The challenges that arise when budget problems are postponed are also discussed. The volume contains a number of suggestions for practitioners with new budgeting and fiscal responsibilities. 

Margaret J. Barr is professor emerita in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. In her career, she has supervised operating budgets for both general and auxiliary enterprises.

George S. McClellan is associate professor of higher education at the University of Mississippi. He is the author or editor of many articles, book chapters, and monographs on student affairs topics.

Figures, Tables, and Exhibits vii

Preface xi

About the Authors xvii

1. The Fiscal Context and the Role of the Budget Manager 1

2. Primary Elements of the Budget: Revenue and Expenses 31

3. Understanding Budgets 61

4. Management of the Budget Cycle 95

5. Understanding Auxiliary and Capital Budgets 127

6. Problems and Pitfalls in Budget Management 149

7. Managing Budget Fluctuations 175

Glossary of Terms 203

Index 209