SLIPPERY ROCK — The Slippery Rock University Trustees voted Thursday to adopt its 2015-16 operating budget despite the lack of a state budget.

Molly Mercer, SRU associate vice president for finance, said that the budget totals $173.2 million, a 4.6 percent increase from last year’s budget of $165.5 million.

The growth is accounted for by increases in enrollment and a 3.5 percent increase in tuition and fees passed by the State System of Higher Education earlier this year.

Since it is a balanced budget, there will be no cuts or layoffs, Mercer said.

SRU worked with the state system to budget for anticipated state allotments. When a state budget is approved, the university can revisit its budget and make necessary adjustments.

The fiscal year began July 1, though the trustees typically vote on the budget in September.

SRU trustee chair Mary Jo White commended the finance committee on creating a budget during an uncertain time.

“They are being required to put together a budget without knowing what some of the very large pieces are and yet despite that they have been remarkably successful in coming pretty close on their estimates,” White said.

To be safe, they were often conservative in making estimates about allotments, she said.

Also at the meeting, the trustees voted to recommend three new degree programs for approval by the state system.

They are a bachelor of science degree in corporate security, a bachelor of science degree in homeland security and a master’s degree of public health.

If approved, the new programs would begin in the fall of 2016.