DURHAM - University of New Hampshire officials are reporting budget projections that are slightly better than planned, according to an article in this week's Campus Journal.

The faculty and staff newsletter reports that this is based on positive undergraduate enrollments and continued focus on controlling operating expenses.

The university has had to figure out how to manage its budget with a 50 percent reduction in state funding.

It is seeking a return of that funding from the state Legislature and in exchange has offered to freeze in-state tuition for the next two years.

Total undergraduate tuition came in at $4.8 million more than expected due to about 200 more undergraduate enrollments, many of them out-of-state students, according to the report.

Nearly $1 million of the reduced operating expenses came as a result of not filling or delaying the filling of positions left vacant after a separation incentive program.

"We are seeing a positive trend in the budget for this year," Joanna Young, chief information officer and interim associate vice-president for finance, told the Campus Journal. "But it is important to note that our operating margin is still lower than the 3 percent recommended by bond rating agencies. We continue to focus on strong enrollment and expense control."

More information on the budget process is available at the university's website, unh.edu.

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