EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2005-2007 Operating Budget Request for the University of Southern Indiana responds to the primary concerns of the state and of the region. The University seeks support from the state to fund current programs and services, growth in enrollment, plant expansion for approved projects, and quality improvement initiatives to respond to regional workforce needs. To help achieve the goals of the state and of the region, the University of Southern Indiana requests support of its 2005-2007 Operating Budget Request.
Since its founding, the University of Southern Indiana has been committed to meeting the needs of the State of Indiana and the southwestern Indiana region. It has remained carefully focused on expanding access to postsecondary education while meeting workforce needs and positively affecting economic development. The impact of the University's focus can be seen most dramatically in the rise in regional college-going attendance, from 33 percent of high school graduates in 1985 when USI was established as a separate state institution, to 78 percent in 2003. These gains outpace both state and national averages and speak to the strong partnership USI has established with K-12 schools, Ivy Tech State College, and business and industry.
The University of Southern Indiana stands as a model for student-centered postsecondary education. Students who choose the University of Southern Indiana find high quality academic programs, affordable costs, an environment that promotes academic success, and opportunities for personal and career growth. In the past ten years, enrollment increased by 31 percent from 7,551 in fall 1993 to 9,899 in fall 2003. The most dramatic change in enrollment is the number of full-time students. Over the past decade full-time student enrollment increased by 73 percent from 4,285 in fall 1993 to 7,402 in fall 2003. Today, nearly 3,000 students, or 28 percent of the student body, live on campus in student housing.
Important to the state and to the region is the number of students who graduate from the University of Southern Indiana and choose to stay in Indiana. Graduates of the institution have become the educated workforce driving the regional and state economy. Of the University's more than 20,000 alumni, 80 percent live in Indiana and 88 percent of that number reside in southwest Indiana, contrary to the statewide trend of outmigration of college graduates.
Affordability of higher education remains high on the list of statewide concerns in the State of Indiana. Believing that cost can be a hindrance to access, maintaining affordability for postsecondary education is a primary goal of the University of Southern Indiana. According to the College Board's Annual Survey of Colleges (ASC), the average undergraduate tuition and fees charged by public four-year colleges and universities in 2003-2004 was $4,694. At USI, tuition and fees for full-time, in-state undergraduate students were $3,885 in 2003-2004 while the average charge for four-year public institutions in Indiana was $5,550, as reported by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. Students attending the University of Southern Indiana full-time in 2004-2005 will pay $4,077, compared to the $5,792 average for other Indiana public baccalaureate institutions. The University trustees and administration are firmly committed to keeping costs low while meeting the needs of students as well as the state's mission for improved economic vitality through institutional service and applied research.
While the University of Southern Indiana is committed to maintaining affordability, the University recognizes that the responsibility for accomplishing this goal is shared with other stakeholders who include students, their families, and state and federal policymakers. Financial support is required from each of these constituencies in order to provide the programs, facilities, and support services necessary to fund the increasing enrollments and educational requirements necessary for a high quality educational experience.
Full funding of the enrollment formula is imperative to a growing campus. Enrollment funding has been essential to the institution's growth and remains the University's highest priority; it has been this approach to funding that has enabled the University to respond to workforce needs and to continue to serve an ever-increasing number of students. Because the enrollment funding formula has not been fully funded for the past three biennia, USI has lost more than $1.8 million.
In past budget request documents, the University of Southern Indiana has drawn attention to the large disparity in state funding per-FTE-Hoosier student received by each of the public baccalaureate-degree-granting institutions. The state recognized this funding discrepancy by appropriating special equity adjustments to USI and other growing institutions in 1993-1995 and 1997-1999. The difference in appropriation per-FTE-Hoosier student is significant. USI receives 58 percent of the weighted statewide average per-FTE-Hoosier student as compared to the other four-year residential institutions. The existence of large disparate differences creates a disadvantaged group of students. Addressing this problem requires changes in state funding policies and a review of the differentials in funding. Included in the University's 2005-2007 Operating Budget Request is a request for a special appropriation adjustment to address the discrepancy in funding per-FTE-Hoosier student.
Throughout its history, USI has been actively engaged in addressing the state's interest in economic and workforce development. The University has accepted many invitations for partnership in community, regional, and state progress. State and local officials often cite the important role that accessibility to public higher education has played in attracting new industry to the region. There is a consistent record of development and expansion of programs and services in response to or anticipation of needs of the changing economy. The programs and services of the University are a valuable resource as the state strives to diversify its economy and ensure that the skills of the workforce continue to improve.
Recently, USI was named a key partner in the new Certified Technology Park in downtown Evansville. The Digital Downtown Project will be an important force in revitalizing downtown and a significant contributor to economic development in the region. Also, the new engineering program at the University of Southern Indiana is an example of how the University is meeting the needs of existing and new businesses. The engineering degree program expands the University's ability to help meet the need for engineering professionals in southern Indiana and throughout the region.
The University of Southern Indiana serves a number of diverse constituencies and is accountable and responsive to the various needs of its constituents. Its accountability can be appraised in the depth and breadth of service provided by faculty and staff, cooperative partnerships with business and industry, University participation and leadership on issues of economic and workforce development, aiding social service agencies, strengthening K-12 educational systems, and providing an array of programs in the arts and humanities.
Partnerships with businesses, industries, and other southwest Indiana employers are an important part of USI's contribution to Indiana's economic and workforce development initiatives. The University will continue to be a strong partner to education, business, government, manufacturing, and health care, responding to needs of all sectors of the community. A business leader recently was quoted in the news, saying "USI is a perfect example of a successful community-driven education institution."
The University of Southern Indiana requests support of its 2005-2007 Operating and Capital Budget Requests to carry out its mission of providing high quality education services which respond to the needs of the citizens of the state.
PRIORITIES OF 2005-2007 OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET REQUESTS
The 2005-2007 Operating Budget Request and Capital Improvement Budget Request for the University of Southern Indiana were developed in response to the critical needs of the institution and the State of Indiana. The University maintains its commitment to provide students with an affordable, quality education and will continue to expand its many partnerships with business and industry, social, educational, governmental, and health agencies.
The University faces many challenges as it continues to operate with the lowest tuition and fees of all four-year public universities in the state and the lowest appropriation per-FTE-Hoosier student of the four-year residential campuses. The financial support the University receives from the state is very important to be able to provide the programs, facilities, and support services necessary to fund increasing enrollments and the educational requirements for a high quality educational experience.
The University of Southern Indiana seeks support from the State of Indiana for its 2005-2007 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget Requests to fund:
. Growth in enrollment;
. Current programs and services;
. Increased appropriation levels due to disparity in funding;
. Quality improvement for the Center for Applied Research
and Economic Development, the Bachelor of Science in
Manufacturing Technology, and the Accelerated
Baccalaureate Professional Nursing Education Program;
. Plant expansion for approved projects; and
. Construction of the new School of Business/General
Purpose Classroom Building.
The state's desired future as a center for new economy opportunities - in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and logistics - depends on partnerships between state government, the business community, and higher education, together with investments to promote those partnerships. Investment in the state's universities can help achieve the goals of lifelong learning and developing a well-trained, well-prepared workforce.
To help achieve the goals of the state and of the region, the University of Southern Indiana requests support of its 2005-2007 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget Requests.
INSTITUTIONAL REQUEST
Full funding of the University's 2005-2007 Operating Budget Request is important to the ongoing growth and development of the campus. The University has prioritized the needs it believes are required to maintain current programs, sustain the current pattern of enrollment and support increases in enrollment, and address critical state and regional needs. Details of the operating budget request are included in the 2005-2007 Operating Budget Request and the supporting narrative and budget schedules.
BASIC NEEDS
| 2005-2006 Request |
2006-2007 Change |
Maintenance for Current Programs $1,966,665 $2,025,666
Enrollment Change 2,061,500
Enrollment Change Residual Amount 403,230
Appropriation Adjustment 1,500,000
Plant Expansion 332,779 1,038,270
Balance of Base Restoration 485,632
· Maintenance for Current Programs - The University requests a three percent increase in the expenditure base each year of the biennium to maintain current programs for personal services, supplies, and student assistance expenses.
· Enrollment Change - Student enrollment at the University of Southern Indiana continues to increase. Funding for enrollment change is a major component of the University's operating budget request. Requested funding at $3,500 per-FTE-Hoosier student based on the four-year rolling average is for an additional 589 full-time equivalent (FTE) students. These funds are essential to provide the instruction and support needed for the additional students.
· Enrollment Change Residual Amount - The enrollment funding formula was not fully funded in the 2003-2005 biennial budget. The formula was funded at 50 percent in 2003-2004 and at 90 percent in 2004-2005 at the reduced rate of $3,300 per-FTE-Hoosier student. The University requests the difference in funding from the formula for 2004-2005.
· Appropriation Adjustment - In past budget documents, the University of Southern Indiana has drawn attention to the large disparity in state funding per-FTE-Hoosier student received by each of the public baccalaureate-degree-granting institutions. Addressing this problem requires changes in state funding policies and a review of the differentials in funding. The University of Southern Indiana requests a special appropriation adjustment in 2005-2007 to address the discrepancy in funding per-FTE-Hoosier student.
· Plant Expansion - Plant expansion is requested for the new David L. Rice Library scheduled for completion in 2006.
·
Balance of Base Restoration - In the 2003-2005 biennial
budget, 50 percent of the operating base that was reduced in 2002-2003 through
the Deficit Budget Management Plan was restored. The University requests the
balance of the restoration of the base in the 2005-2007 Operating Budget
Request.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES
| 2005-2006 Request |
2005-2006 Change |
Center for Applied Research
and
Economic Development $275,000 $250,000
Manufacturing Technology Program $125,000
Accelerated Baccalaureate
Professional Nursing Program $170,000
The University
of Southern Indiana requests quality improvement funds to support the
development of three new initiatives needed to serve regional workforce and
economic development demands. The support provided will assist the University
in planning and implementing new programs and strengthen the institution's
commitment to service to the region and the state. To develop new programs
without start-up funding is a major challenge in light of the low
institutional funding base and USI's continued growth in enrollment growth.
Center for Applied Research and Economic Development
The University of Southern Indiana plans to establish a Center for Applied Research and Economic Development to coordinate University resources to assist business, industry, governmental agencies, and entrepreneurial groups in a variety of applied research, technical assistance, development, and educational and training activities. The Center will enable the University to contribute more actively to the general economic well being of southwestern Indiana and the State of Indiana to help grow jobs. Through the expansion of existing University services and the development of new and innovative activities, the Center will strengthen the economic future of the region.
Bachelor of Science in
Manufacturing Technology
Indiana
workforce statistics indicate the accelerating demand for trained technicians
and technology graduates in the manufacturing field due to the increased
"high-tech" capabilities required in advanced manufacturing techniques. The
Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Technology program is designed to prepare
students for employment in the manufacturing sector as skilled technologists.
Graduates from the manufacturing technology program will fill a critical need
for trained technologists in an area of the state which has a high
concentration of advanced manufacturing companies. The availability of this
program will help promote continued economic development in southern Indiana
and throughout the region.
Accelerated Baccalaureate
Professional Nursing Education Program
The shortage of
nurses is a major challenge for health care providers in the tri-state
region. The nursing shortage in the State of Indiana is estimated to be 12
percent in 2005 and will increase steadily to 31.5 percent by 2020. The
establishment of the Accelerated Baccalaureate Professional Nursing Education
Program will provide individuals with a previously earned non-nursing
bachelor's degree the opportunity to complete requirements for a second degree
in nursing within 16 months of enrollment in the nursing program.
LINE ITEM APPROPRIATION REQUEST
The
University's 2005-2007 Operating Budget Request includes line item
appropriations for Historic New Harmony and Lincoln Amphitheatre.
| Historic New Harmony | 2005-2006 Request |
2006-2007 Request |
| Base Appropriation | $ 394,519 | $ 406,355 |
The line item appropriation request for Historic New Harmony is a continuation of the funding appropriated by the Indiana General Assembly beginning in 2000-2001. The funding requested for Historic New Harmony in the 2005-2007 biennium supports the preservation, education, and interpretive programs of one of Indiana's most significant historic sites. The funding request includes:
·
restoration of the seven percent reduction in the line item
appropriation in
2002-2003; and
·
a
three percent increase on the restored base of the line item
appropriation in
2005-2006 and 2006-2007.
Funding the University's 2005-2007 Line Item Budget Request for Historic New Harmony will restore the budget to the funding level in 2000-2001.
| Lincoln Amphitheatre | 2003-2004 Request |
2004-2005 Request |
| Base Appropriation | $ 280,634 | $ 349,173 |
| Special Capital Appropriation | $ 245,000 | $ 245,000 |
Through a
contractual agreement since 1988 with the Indiana Department of Natural
Resources, the University of Southern Indiana has been involved with the
management of the Lincoln Amphitheatre and the production of Young Abe
Lincoln.
The 2005-2007
Line Item Appropriation Request for Lincoln Amphitheatre addresses serious
concerns about the future viability of the Amphitheatre and Young Abe
Lincoln. The University of Southern Indiana requests increased
funding of the base appropriation for Lincoln Amphitheatre in the 2005-2007
biennium. The University also requests support for needed capital
expenditures to enhance the production of Young Abe Lincoln and
to renovate the Amphitheatre.
The University is committed to the long-term successful operation of the theatre, provided funding is received from the state.
CAPITAL BUDGET REQUEST
The University of Southern Indiana requests funding for one capital project and bonding authorization (no state funds) for a second project during the 2005-2007 biennium.
|
School of Business/General
Classroom Building and Related Physical Plant Expansion |
$33,800,000 |
| Recreation and Fitness Center Expansion - Phase II - (Authorization Only - no state funds) | 7,250,000 |
Restoration of full funding of the General Repair and Rehabilitation and Infrastructure formulas to maintain existing facilities, including the infrastructure which supports these facilities, is requested in both years of the biennium. Several general repair and rehabilitation projects totaling $1,939,038 are planned for completion in the 2005-2007 biennium.
CONCLUSION
The University of Southern Indiana requests support from the State of Indiana for its 2005-2007 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget Requests. The funding requested to support current programs and services, growth in enrollment, quality improvement initiatives, plant expansion for approved projects, capital projects, and repair and rehabilitation projects is essential for the University of Southern Indiana to serve the southern Indiana region and to help achieve the goals of the state.
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