Commentary on certain University of Wisconsin system funds and reserves

Kelly Meyerhofer:

The System reported $867 million in total unrestricted program revenue balances as of June 30 — a figure that includes tuition balances, as well as other accounts, such as dining halls, parking fees and federal reimbursement for indirect costs related to research.

About 86% of the money was already designated for a specific purpose, according to the report. That leaves UW institutions with about $123 million in real reserves for an unexpected emergency — less than 2% of its roughly $6.7 billion dollar operating budget. The System reported $175 million in reserves five years ago.

I wonder if Ms Meyerhofer’s numbers exclude all sources of UW system funds, including foundations?

Notes and links on UW reserves, here.