North Dakota’s University Systems is bracing for the next round of budget cuts, after Governor Doug Burgum sent out his latest budget guideline proposal. The latest proposal includes a 10 percent cut to higher education and other state agencies, as well as a 3 percent cut for potential contingency funds. Should the full 13 percent cut happen, appropriations would be cut to $548.7 million, levels last seen in the 2009-11 biennium. The cuts still have to be approved by the Office of Management and Budget, Governor Burgum and the Legislature. The appropriations were $737 million during the 2015-17 biennium, dropping sharply to $614.3 million during the 2017-19 biennium. The State Board of Higher Education approved the NDUS’ needs-based budget request during their regular board meeting last wee in Mandan.