CLEMSON — With new state budget cuts brewing, America’s financial crisis will likely impact Clemson University’s other revenue streams too.

Wall Street volatility has affected private endowments. Federal research funds are likely to diminish, as the cash is re-routed for banking bailouts and defense spending. The student loan industry is in upheaval, which could truncate tuition revenue if families opt for lower cost choices or if out-of-state Clemson students transfer back home.

On Thursday, Clemson President James Barker sent an e-mail to faculty and staff outlining the basic strategy for dealing with the din.

“Our response will be based on making strategic decisions guided by our priorities, not across-the-board cuts,” Barker said in the e-mail. “We will not whine, and we will not abandon our long-term goal of improving the quality and value of a Clemson degree. However, near-term tactics and decisions will change. These cuts will be felt.”

The plan includes cancellations of some faculty and staff searches. Other possible measures include a shorter work week and slashing some vacant positions altogether. Although Barker said large-scale Clemson efforts, including planned campus developments, would continue, finances could alter timelines.

The state Board of Economic Advisors lowered South Carolina revenue estimates Thursday by 6 percent. Clemson has already faced a reduction in state appropriations once this year, with $9 million slashed in August.

In his Thursday e-mail Barker asked for faculty and staff input on cost reduction. Barker asked faculty and staff to consider joint programs, joint hires and better facility efficiency to increase revenue. He also noted Clemson was founded in a time of rough economics, the late-1800s, and helped South Carolina ascend that era’s challenges.

“More recently, we have made genuine progress in our goals despite several difficult budget years since 2000,” Barker said. “Focusing on the opportunities that exist even in crisis can bring positive change. One example is Maymester, which was born during a previous budget crunch. We needed to make better use of facilities and to increase summer school revenue. It turned out to add great value to a Clemson education.”

Clemson Chief Public Affairs Officer Cathy Sams said current economics trump any scenario she’s seen during 28 years with the university. According to Sams, Barker is personally chairing an ad hoc committee dedicated to overcoming the challenges. The committee also includes provost Doris Helms and vice president of research and economic development Chris Przirembel, among others. The committee met for the first time Thursday, Sams said.

Sams declined to estimate how many unfilled vacancies or employee searches would be aborted.

“We’ll know a lot more about what to expect in about three weeks. We’re really just getting started,” Sams said.

According to Sams, maintaining state funding for LIFE and Palmetto Fellows scholarships would be paramount, but she believes Clemson’s best asset for navigating the unsteady economy is its reputation. In August, U.S. News & World Report ranked Clemson as the 22nd best public university in America.

“People who graduate from highly ranked universities make more over a lifetime; it’s seen as an investment. People will pay for quality.”