On Friday, Jan. 23, students received an email from Elizabethtown College President Carl Strikwerda announcing that the 2015-2016 budget is under review.

The email, which contained information already shared with staff and faculty members over winter break, informed students that there will be changes in some budget areas to guarantee “continued financial stability” at Etown. The College’s priority is to provide students with successful academic and co-curricular programs while still offering students scholarships.

Also mentioned in the announcement were the ongoing improvements being made to the College’s facilities. Next summer will see continued renovations in Nicarry Hall and a re-surfaced track, among other projects.

Strikwerda identified the financial crises that institutions of higher education across the country have faced in light of recent economic issues as the cause of the necessary budget adjustment. Because of the competition for funding, both against other schools and within Etown itself, a serious discussion will take place to decide how to distribute funds. “Next week the comprehensive fee for 2015-2016 will be set,” Strikwerda wrote.

Costs for energy, employee compensation and benefits, professional services, technology resources and food will be taken into consideration. Despite the significant number of first-years in 2013, enrollment and retention in 2014 were not as substantial as expected.

The Etown Board of Trustees must consider the financial burdens of many students and their families when setting the fee. They aim to keep the annual increase at 2014’s 4.5 percent adjustment.

“I am confident that the difficult decisions we make now will position the College well for continued success,” Strikwerda said in the email. As soon as financial conclusions are reached, he promised to share the information with students and other members of the College community.

Strikwerda will be at the Student Senate meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5 to present an update on the situation and answer questions. All students are encouraged to attend.