FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Suzanne Ernst
(702) 889-8426

ELKO, NV -- The Board of Regents approved a budget request today that would allow the governor and the Nevada legislature the opportunity to appropriate more than $1.1 billion to Nevada's public universities, community colleges and research institute.

The UCCSN 1999-2001 biennial budget request, which will be submitted to the Governor's Office and the Nevada State Legislature on August 15, is seeking a 45.1 percent increase over the 1997-1999 appropriation of $777.6 million.

"I realize our chances of getting a 45 percent increase are unlikely, but we wanted to give the legislators choices," explained UCCSN Chancellor Richard S. Jarvis.

"As Nevada's population explosion continues into the next century, we must ensure that our public system of higher education has the necessary funds to match our enrollment growth while improving our students' access to a top-notch education," he added.

The budget request was built on the Board of Regents' eight priorities which include increasing student access, enhancing support services, supplying sufficient equipment to meet growth demands and providing key initiatives in health education.

The 1999-2001 biennial budget request reflects the areas of the hottest growth in the state and among the institutions. For example, Southern Nevada institutions could realize a 55.1 percent increase over the 1997-1999 appropriation, and in particular, Community College of Southern Nevada is seeking a 69.9 percent increase and Truckee Meadows Community College could reach a 63.8 percent increase.

Nearly $60 million dollars would be allocated to fund the Board of Regents' top priority of improving student access to quality instruction. An additional $75.95 million would be directed to enhance student support services.

For a more detailed listing of the 1999-2001 biennial budget request, please contact the UCCSN External Relations Office in Las Vegas at 889-8426.

Comprised of two doctoral-granting universities, four comprehensive community colleges and one environmental research institution, the University and Community College System of Nevada serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to more than 78,000 students.