I am pleased to accept the Report and Resolution on a Contract with the Governor on Higher Education as approved by the University Senate on October 24, 2003. Your commitment to the long-term strength of this university is deeply appreciated.

In presenting our budget needs to the state this year, my administration has employed arguments consistent with the Senate’s proposal, though not the specific multi-year contract outlined in your resolution. We believe that the success of such a compact would be maximized if it were presented at a time when the state’s economy has begun to stabilize and we have been able to stop the pattern of budget cuts.

We will continue to argue the sense of the Senate’s recommendations and will return to the concept of a multi-year contract when the timing seems more propitious.

Sincerely yours,

Richard L. McCormick