During the year, units may have additional funding needs, as a result of new circumstances or new priorities, that will have an impact on a division's capacity to serve a critical campus need if the request is postponed until the next budget call cycle.
BUDGET AUGMENTATION REQUEST (BAR)
The Budget Augmentation Request (BAR) Form is used to request an augmentation to a division’s operating budget from central campus funds, including requests to increase budget in one fund and decrease budget in another (fund swap). Prior to submitting a BAR, the department should work with its organization’s leadership to determine whether funding is available within departmental or divisional accounts. Expenditures related to a BAR cannot be incurred prior to the approval of the BAR. To assess the effectiveness of an augmentation, the department who receives additional funding may be required to report on its use(s) at the end of the fiscal year.
All BAR Forms completed and approved by Vice Chancellor/Dean and Provost (if applicable) must be submitted directly to Budget and Financial Planning (BFP) via email at budget@ucmerced.edu.
Fund Exchanges
Divisions should submit a BAR for any funds exchange request to augment their budget in one fund in exchange for a corresponding budget decrease in another fund.
System-wide and Campus-wide Mandates
Funding needs for system-wide or campus-wide mandates must also be submitted via the BAR process. These requests should include documentation to support the mandate.
REQUEST SUBMISSION
Any requests for budget augmentations or funds exchange from central campus funding must be submitted by emailing a completed Budget Augmentation Request (BAR) to Budget and Financial Planning (BFP).
All BAR Forms completed and approved by Vice Chancellor/Dean and Provost (if applicable) must be submitted directly to Budget and Financial Planning (BFP) via email at budget@ucmerced.edu.
REVIEW & APPROVAL PROCESS
Any requests for additional funding must be approved by the Vice Chancellor (VC)/Dean prior to submission. EVC/Provost approval is also required for Academic Affairs units.
- The requests will be submitted to and reviewed by B&FP. A funding recommendation will be provided to the Vice Chancellor and CFO.
- The Vice Chancellor and CFO will review the request and make a recommendation to the Chancellor.
- The final decision will be made by the Chancellor.
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS
Any requests for allocation of central funds, must include an approved BAR form. If a BAR form is not included, the request will be returned to the requestor and the department will have to go through the BAR process prior to any allocation of funds.
EXCEPTIONS - BUDGET AUGMENTATION REQUEST NOT REQUIRED
- Mandatory annual salary increases for positions on a department's approved Staffing List that are permanently budgeted on core funds (including corresponding benefits).
- A Budget Augmentation Request is required if the requirements for receiving central campus funding during staffing reconciliation are not met at the time of campus-wide allocation of funds related to mandatory increases.
- Operating and Maintenance (O&M) related to Project 2020
BUDGET AUGMENTATION REQUEST (BAR) FORM
