University President Michael Adams said economic hardships would make Gov. Roy Barnes’ budget proposal the “biggest challenge of the year.”

“Since 9-11, there have been substantial (financial) impacts on the state,” Adams said at a University Council executive meeting Thursday. “If you really want to help, take a vacation in-state.”

The proposal includes funding cuts for University projects, but includes a 3.5 percent pay-raise pool for University System faculty and staff and the final $10 million for the Coverdell Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences.

“This is the first time in 10 years we’ve had budget cuts in the middle of the year,” said Chuck Toney, assistant director for Public Affairs.

Adams said the proposed budget does not include funding for a new visual arts building.

“I think the government and the legislation have done the best they can do given the circumstances,” Adams said.

The council also made changes to University curriculum.

Scott Weinberg, Chair of the Curriculum Committee, said three courses — Basic Report Writing for College and Beyond (UNIV 1106), Enhancing Thinking Skills (UNIV 1107) and Strategies for Success for Non-Traditional Students (UNIV 1114) — will now be counted toward elective credit.

Also, a proposal outlining the guidelines for policies and programs to be implemented at the Gwinnett University Center was passed.

An advantage the new center will have to the University is the influx of student credit hours.

“The opportunity for us to teach and the opportunity for us to generate hundreds of credit hours … it should be a benefit to the University’s bottom line,” Adams said.