Citing funding shortfalls, Haskell Indian Nations University officials on Thursday said they might have to reduce next year’s enrollment by about 100 students. Fee increases also are being considered.

The situation is dire, said Bob Goombi, budget specialist at Haskell.

In a meeting with the Haskell Board of Regents, Goombi said the university had hoped to receive $12.6 million from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs this year. Instead, it received $9 million.

“That left us $3.6 million short of where we need to be,” he said.

Shortly after BIA officials confirmed the budget numbers, Haskell announced plans to cancel summer school this year, a move Goombi said had saved $557,454.

Other cuts in projected spending have Haskell within $15,000 of breaking even. But many of these cuts, Goombi said, are “embarrassing” and “a sin.” For example, he said, the food service budget has been cut to $300,000. It was $375,000 last year.

“That’s as low as it’s ever been,” he said. “But we’re feeding more students than ever.”

Several regents said they would rather limit enrollment than jeopardize the university’s effectiveness.

“We are in a crisis situation here,” said Lana Redeye, a longtime board member.

Gil Vigil, board vice president, said that while limiting enrollment was a responsible course of action, it was also painful.

“I don’t want to close the door on anyone,” he said. “I want to keep the door to opportunity open.”

Several regents discussed the possibility of raising student fees or charging tuition, saying increases of $25 to $50 would not be objectionable. Currently, fees are $105 and the school does not charge tuition. Only American Indian students may attend Haskell.

Marvin Buzzard, vice president of university services, said the latest budget could be made to accommodate about 900 students. Current enrollment stands at 1,021.

The board did not vote on limiting enrollment or raising fees. Instead, it agreed to have members of its executive committee meet with university officials in the coming weeks.

Haskell president Karen Swisher announced that she was working with several foundations in hopes of funding a thorough review of the university’s operations and how they could become more efficient.

On other topics, the regents:

 Agreed to issue a resolution reinforcing the board’s opposition to routing the proposed South Lawrence Trafficway through the Baker Wetlands.

 Agreed to form an endowment that would serve Haskell much like Kansas University Endowment serves KU. The endowment is not to compete with Haskell Foundation.

 Agreed to lobby Congress for enough money to hire on-campus security officers.

 Declined a call to encourage tribes to donate to Haskell Foundation, citing strong opposition to tribal money being used to pay off foundation debts rather than support Haskell programs.

Bankruptcy proceedings were filed against the foundation in early 2000. Its former director Gerry Burd, a disbarred accountant, was later sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison after pleading guilty to embezzling from foundation accounts.

Haskell commencement ceremonies convene at 10 a.m. today at either Haskell Stadium or, in case of bad weather, Coffin Sports Complex.