FAS deficit, diminished

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences faces a smaller, but still multimillion-dollar, deficit.

Return to main article:

Dean Michael D. Smith reported on May 11, at the last regular Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) meeting of the academic year, that the faculty’s unrestricted operating deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1 had been reduced to between $50 million and $55 million. This is significantly better than the $110-million gap he projected last September, and the $80-million figure as of this past February. By the time FAS’s budget is submitted to the Corporation for approval, Smith said, he hoped to trim it further, to perhaps $35 million. He aims to fill that remaining gap with FAS reserve funds, and then to achieve a balanced budget for fiscal year 2012--assuming no worsening of economic conditions, and a flat distribution from the endowment (following 8 percent and 12 percent reductions, respectively, in the 2010 and 2011 fiscal years). For a more detailed report, see https://harvardmagazine.com/breaking-news/harvard-arts-and-sciences-budget-cuts

You might also like

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

FAS Plans Administrative Overhaul

Facing financial pressures, Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences seeks ways to streamline.

Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences Appoints a New Finance Dean

Warren Petrofsky joins at a crucial moment when the FAS is dealing with a $350 million deficit.

Most popular

Your Harvard 2026 Commencement Week Guide

College reunions and Alumni Day will take place the following week

Harvard Releases Database of 1,613 People Enslaved by University Affiliates

Research continues to track down living descendants.

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

Explore More From Current Issue

Alene Anello smiling surrounded by four chickens in a natural outdoor setting.

This Harvard-Trained Lawyer Fights for the Rights of Chickens

Alene Anello wants to apply animal cruelty laws to birds raised for meat.

Portrait of a man with white hair, wearing a black coat, arms crossed, thoughtful expression.

The Framer Who Refused to Sign the Constitution

Harvard’s Elbridge Gerry helped draft the U.S. Constitution, but worried it might create a new monarch.