University of Idaho presents budget outlook, reports financial recovery, DEI office reorganization and Phoenix talks

University of Idaho President C. Scott Green told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Jan. 27 that the university’s finances have materially improved after a multi‑year cost‑reduction effort, but balance‑sheet effects from legacy retiree benefit liabilities and other restricted accounts continue to affect measured reserve ratios.

The University of Idaho reported an enrollment of 12,286 and a base budget figure presented as $196,300,000 during the committee briefing. President Green described an aggressive $26 million base reduction undertaken in FY2021 to align expenses with revenues and said the university now maintains sufficient cash reserves to meet obligations while continuing work to meet state board reserve expectations.

On financial reporting and liabilities

President Green told the committee, "I met with [the CFO] and he told me that we're about 18 months from running out of cash," describing the position U of I faced when he arrived and the subsequent right‑sizing that included voluntary separations and structural changes. He also explained…