The University of Southern Indiana's 2005-2007 Capital Improvement Budget Request proposes construction of a new School of Business/General Classroom Building and Phase II Expansion of the Recreation and Fitness Center.  The University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees and Administration are pleased to present the 2005-2007 Capital Improvement Budget Request for review by the Indiana General Assembly, the Commission for Higher Education, and the State Budget Agency. Detailed explanations of the projects requested in the University of Southern Indiana's 2005-2007 Capital Improvement Budget Request are provided in the accompanying documentation.

            The University's number one capital priority for the 2005-2007 biennium is funding for construction of a new School of Business/General Classroom Building.  The proposed facility will accommodate increased student enrollment, incorporate advanced technology into the construction of the building, and provide needed general and specialized classroom and laboratory space.  Included in the project is the expansion of the University's physical plant and completion of the lower level of the Education Center.

            Phase II expansion of the Recreation and Fitness Center is the University's number two capital priority.  Due to growth in student enrollment and increased utilization of the current facility, there is a need to provide additional activity space.  The University seeks project and bonding authority (but no State funding) for expansion of the Recreation and Fitness Center to provide needed wellness, recreation, and physical fitness facilities for students, faculty, and staff.

            Included in the 2005-2007 Capital Improvement Budget Request is funding for several general repair and rehabilitation projects.  Many of the projects planned during the 2003-2005 biennium have been deferred to the 2005-2007 biennium due to lack of funding.  The funding requested for general repair and rehabilitation projects is needed to keep deferred maintenance to a minimum and to maintain University structures and facilities. 

            The University of Southern Indiana's 2005-2007 Capital Improvement Budget Request is consistent with the long-range plans of the University, the mission of the University, and the economic needs of the State of Indiana.  In the past ten years, enrollment at the University has increased by 31 percent from 7,551 students in fall 1993 to 9,899 students in fall 2003.  A notable change in the student population is the 56 percent increase in the number of full-time-equivalent students from 5,164 in 1992-1993 to 8,049 in 2002-2003.  With the opening of Ruston Student Residence Hall in August 2004, the number of students living on campus will exceed 3,000.  In addition, more than 9,000 adults and youth enroll annually in noncredit, continuing education, workforce training, and professional development programs at the University.  The rapid growth in student enrollment has resulted in a deficit of classroom, laboratory, and office space, and the need for additional recreational space.

            The following charts, Fall Student Headcount Enrollment and Fall Enrollment 1991-2011, Academic/Administrative Assignable Square Feet Per FTE Student for Fall 2003, and Projected Academic/Administrative Space Needs Per Full-Time-Equivalent Student: 2000-2014, illustrate the increases in student enrollment and the space requirements needed to serve the students of the University of Southern Indiana.  The University's average assignable square footage per full-time-equivalent student continues to fall below the state average by 22 percent resulting in a space deficit of over 200,000 assignable square feet.  The future needs for the physical development of the campus are identified in the University's Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan for 2005-2015.  Detailed explanations of the projects requested in the University of Southern Indiana's 2005-2007 Capital Improvement Budget Request are provided in the accompanying documentation.

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