The proposed fiscal 2018 budget for the North Dakota University System office is $65.8 million.
That’s down from $91.7 million in fiscal 2017.
Of that figure -- $4.2 million is spent on governance. The rest goes to student grants, technology and other projects.
But some members of the Board of Higher Education’s Budget and Finance Committee say there’s some mis-information about this line item.
Board member Nick Hacker said some people believe all of that goes to administration.
"Wherever the rumor starts that, 'The system office does not educate one student,' and expends significant resources, I would hope people check their figures," Hacker said. "They need to realize a lot of this money is in the form of student grants, financial aid and CTS (Center for Technology Services) for the institutions."
Board member Greg Stemen said the Board probably needs to do a better job in getting that information out.
"We're a sound-bite society," Stemen said. "And when people hear $65.8 million, and assme it's going into the halls of the Capitol, it's a good idea for us to proactively share information."