Embedded Files
11/06/2025 - In a campus-wide email yesterday, Northern Marianas College President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero outlined a plan based on different revised government budget scenarios.
“With that, as you may be aware, the CNMI Government is finalizing the FY 2026 budget, which will set the appropriation level for all government departments and agencies, including the College. This comes during a time of fiscal austerity, funding cuts to federal programs, and a population decline in the CNMI that is affecting the College’s enrollment and tuition revenue. While we have worked diligently to maintain fiscal stability and remain optimistic that we will receive the funding needed to sustain our programs and operations, we must also prepare responsibly for the possibility of a budget shortfall,” he said.
He added, “In light of this, this email outlines proactive measures that the College will enact immediately, as well as possible measures that might be implemented if, and only if, appropriations fall far short of expectations. These measures are designed to ensure that the College continues to provide high-quality education and services to our students, while maintaining fiscal stability and compliance with accreditation and federal grant requirements.”
The plan includes possible responses to the status quo, significant reductions in appropriations, and potentially even more drastic cuts in government appropriations:
Tier 1: Effective Immediately (Proactive Measures)
These actions are to be implemented immediately to conserve funds during the ongoing budget negotiations between the Office of the Governor and the Commonwealth Legislature, while minimizing disruption to academic and operational effectiveness.
Freeze all non-federally funded hiring.
Consult with federally-funded College departments and offices to identify opportunities to leverage federal funds for operational support, including personnel costs.
Restrict all travel to essential, outcomes-driven travel approved by the President and justified using the Kirkpatrick Model.
Review and reduce travel budgets; reprogram federally funded travel where allowable.
Review overload and adjunct teaching assignments; maximize internal teaching capacity.
Review and renegotiate recurring non-personnel contracts (technology subscriptions, facility services, etc.).
Tier 2: Only If CNMI Government Appropriations Are Significantly Reduced
If the College receives significantly reduced funding, additional measures will be enacted.
Withhold certain departmental allocations within the Operations Budget based on institutional priorities.
Implement a temporary reduction in work hours (percentage to be determined based on the final budget).
Prioritize critical instructional and grant-funded activities to safeguard student learning and compliance.
Tier 3: Only If CNMI Government Appropriations Fall Far Below Operational Viability
If the shortfall is severe, the College will have no alternative but to take more difficult measures.
Implement a reduction in work hours, in accordance with applicable Commonwealth laws and in consultation with the Board of Regents.
Suspend non-essential programs or services temporarily to preserve academic continuity.
Deleon Guerrero said the college will also accelerate its efforts to increase and diversify revenue.
He said, “I remain committed to staying only at Tier 1 measures. Moving on to Tiers 2 or 3 will only occur if it becomes absolutely necessary and after careful consultation and extensive engagement with the Board of Regents and all major stakeholders. Through it all, we will communicate openly and clearly about any decisions that affect employees or students through College Hour meetings, stakeholder assemblies, and participatory governance sessions with faculty, staff, and students.”
Report by Thomas Manglona II
Report abuse