USI » Governmental Relations » Operating Budget 2005-2007

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA
PRIMARY ROLES AND MISSIONS

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 USI'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.

In 1985, USI was the first baccalaureate institution in the state to develop articulation programs with a 30-credit-hour transfer agreement with Ivy Tech State College, paving the way for other institutions in the state to develop relationships with what has now become a community college system, and opening windows of opportunities for countless Ivy Tech graduates who aspire to a baccalaureate degree. Similar agreements are in place with Vincennes University and with the community colleges in nearby counties in Kentucky and Illinois.

The University was established in 1965 as a branch campus of Indiana State University in response to an expression of need for public education in Evansville, the state's third largest city, and its surrounding communities. In 1985, the legislature created the University of Southern Indiana as a separate statewide public university. The change in structure and mission was best delineated by then-Governor Robert D. Orr in his charge to the first Board of Trustees:

"You have a statutory mission that is laid out in the bill passed by the legislature, and it is going to take a lot of effort on the part of everyone to live up to those requirements as they have been spelled out by the Indiana General Assembly. This is now a statewide institution, and it is important that this point be emphasized. Heretofore, this has been a branch campus of Indiana State University, and it has been understood to be regional in nature. It was created to accomplish a regional mission.just as other branch campuses around the state. Now this is a state institution in the fullest sense of the word."

In the nearly 20 years since USI became a separate state university, the Board of Trustees has carefully examined its mission statement on a regular basis. The mission statement has changed only with minor language requirements and is summarized in these two paragraphs:

"American education assumes a link between the truth of an idea and the good it promotes for individuals and society. An educated person can be expected not only to be knowledgeable and more financially secure, but also a better citizen, among whose virtues are tolerance, judgment, and belief in freedom for self and others. These values develop in an atmosphere of open inquiry and pursuit of truth. Therefore, as the University of Southern Indiana seeks to support education, social and economic growth, and civic and cultural awareness in southwestern Indiana, it will be devoted primarily to preparing students to live wisely."

"The University of Southern Indiana is a broad-based institution offering programs of instruction, research, and service. A liberal arts and science curriculum serves as the foundation of knowledge for all programs and complements undergraduate programs leading to careers in business, engineering, government, health professions, education, and related fields. Selected master's degrees already in existence, and in development, serve persons in professional and technical studies. As a public institution, the University of Southern Indiana counsels and assists both business and industry and social, educational, governmental, and health agencies to higher levels of efficiency and improved services."

As the trustees have sought to fully develop the University and the opportunities for education, they have implemented policies which have created important changes in the curriculum, composition of the student body, and physical facilities needed to meet the mission of the University of Southern Indiana. As a result, USI stands as a model for student-centered postsecondary education, delivering high quality teaching at the most affordable cost among baccalaureate institutions in the state, and performing applied research needed in the region. Graduates of the institution have become the educated workforce driving the regional and state economy, with more than 80 percent of graduates remaining in the state after graduation, contrary to the statewide trend of outmigration of college graduates. The University is regarded as a facilitator for community and regional progress, and encourages faculty and staff to freely give their time and expertise to solve problems related to infrastructure development, economic vitality, educational and cultural advancement, and leadership development.

Enrollment at USI continues to grow steadily. Over the past decade enrollment increased by 31 percent from 7,551 in fall 1993 to 9,899 in fall 2003. During the same ten-year period, FTE enrollment increased by 59 percent, from 5,041 in fall 1993 to 7,994 in fall 2003 (Figure 1 - USI Student Headcount and FTE Enrollment 1993-2003 Fall Semester).

FIGURE 1

Maintaining affordability for postsecondary education is a primary goal of the University of Southern Indiana, believing that cost can be a hindrance to access. 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 USI full-time in 2004-2005 will pay $4,077, compared to the $5,792 average for other Indiana public baccalaureate institutions. USI is the only baccalaureate-granting public institution which has not imposed a $1,000 surcharge on tuition for new students. The USI 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.

A major goal of the USI Foundation is the establishment of merit scholarships to attract and retain talented Hoosier students. The privately funded Presidential Scholarship program attracts 10 new Hoosier valedictorians and/or salutatorians each year, supporting a total of 40 students annually. The USI Foundation also has initiated fund raising for Deans Scholarships and the highly competitive Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine (B/MD) Program Scholarships, a joint endeavor with the Indiana University School of Medicine - Evansville Center. The B/MD program accepts up to six new freshmen a year, guaranteeing them admission to medical school on completion of their undergraduate work, if they meet the academic standards of the program. All these programs are keeping some of Indiana's brightest and best students in Indiana for their college study, and an overwhelming percentage of them remain in Indiana after graduation. Scholarship gifts to the USI Foundation in 2002-2003 accounted for more than $625,000 in aid to students. Students also benefited from another $1.7 million from corporate and other scholarship programs that do not flow through the Foundation.

The availability of affordable student housing also speaks to the access issue. With rising gasoline prices, many students who commute from cities 45-60 miles away are comparing the cost of living on campus with the cost of commuting daily. The demand for housing has outpaced availability at USI with the opening of three new suite-style residence halls since 1999. In fall 2004, the fourth residence hall, Ruston Hall, will open and bring the number of students living on campus in apartment-style units or residence halls to over 3,000. The demand for on-campus housing also is an indictor of USI's changing demographics. More students are opting for the broader educational experience that comes with full residence-life programs. Studies indicate there is a statistically significant positive influence on persistence and degree completion for students living on campus. Consistent with the goals established by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, student retention and student success are important goals of the University of Southern Indiana. The new residence halls incorporate support services which meet students' academic and social needs, and are targeted to increase retention.

The University of Southern Indiana's reputation for high-quality instruction continues to attract professors whose primary focus is teaching, and students who desire a vibrant, interactive learning academic experience. Faculty members are recruited to USI for their commitment to a career of teaching and guiding the academic pursuits of their students. This dedication to quality teaching, combined with a strong academic recruitment program, attracts some of Indiana's best students to USI. In fall 2003, 19.4 percent of entering freshmen accepted University academic scholarships, which recognize students who graduate in the top 25 percent of their high school class and hold an academic honors diploma. USI was the first public university in the state to recognize the academic honors diploma with a formal scholarship program. In the entering fall 2004 freshman class, the University will enroll 57 valedictorians or salutatorians and five Lilly Scholars. In an effort to keep more of Indiana's brightest and best students in Indiana for their education, the University will use a portion of a Lilly Endowment grant to fund scholarships for Indiana's National Merit Scholars, many of whom receive highly competitive scholarship offers from out-of-state schools.

Important to the region and the state are the students who graduate from USI and remain in the State of Indiana. Surveys of the graduating classes of 1993 through 2003 reveal that 77 percent live in Indiana and 81 percent of that number reside in southwest Indiana (Figure 2 - Geographic Location of Graduates, USI Classes of 1993-2003).

FIGURE 2

The University of Southern Indiana is regarded as a vital partner in workforce and economic development in southern Indiana. Significant economic activity is occurring in the southwestern Indiana region. 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. These and other recent developments include:

. The Digital Downtown Project was designated as a Certified Technology Park by the Indiana Department of Commerce and will include a high-tech incubator as well as a broadband internet and WiFi backbone to promote the development and expansion of IT based industries.

. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI) celebrated production of its millionth vehicle in June 2004. TMMI represents a $2.5 billion investment in Gibson County, employs 5,000 people, and adds over $96 million annually to the regional market's buying power.

. Vectren Corporation is locating its corporate headquarters in a new $25 million building on Evansville's riverfront.

. Whirlpool Corporation continues to be one of Evansville's largest employers with 2,340 people on the payroll at its design center and refrigerator plant. Whirlpool will begin manufacturing its bottom-mount refrigerators in Evansville in 2006. The company, which plans to invest $8 million in the product line, will add engineers and designers at the facility.

. The world headquarters of United Components, an automotive parts manufacturer, has located in northern Vanderburgh County and created 60 new jobs.

. Evansville's Dress Regional Airport reports passenger count has increased by 4.3 percent in 2004 and more than $2 million in improvements are underway.

. Vision 2000, the regional economic development office, has changed its name to Vision-e, reflecting emphasis on electronic infrastructure now offered to attract new business, and emphasizing as well the importance of education, entertainment, and economic development to securing and retaining regional businesses.

. ALCOA's Newburgh plant represents longtime industrial strength with a workforce of 2,225 making sheet metal for aluminum cans.

. Mead Johnson Nutritionals is Evansville's largest industrial employer with 2,500 employees who make baby formula and other nutritional products.

. Azteca Corn Milling has undertaken a $24 million expansion of its plant in northern Vanderburgh County.

. Both regional medical centers - Deaconess Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center, both with workforces approaching 2,500 - have expanded services, including a new women's hospital and an oncology center. A specialized cardiac care unit is under development.

. Southwind Maritime Center, located just 10 miles from USI in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, reports that cargo shipping through the port has jumped 25 percent over its 2003 volume, attributing a portion of the increase to new customers. Shipments of both coal and grain were up sharply.

. GE Plastics in Mt. Vernon has a workforce of 1,350 and has made major investments in facilities, equipment, process improvements, new product developments, and environmental improvements at its four thermoplastics businesses.

. A new technical park in Daviess County, near Crane Surface Warfare Center, will provide an incubator for high-tech jobs, and an anchor tenant, EG & G Technical Services, has been announced.

. Webb Wheel is building a new $22.5 million plant to employ over 80 workers in Perry County.

. Accent Customer Relationship Partners has opened a call center, creating 80 jobs in marketing and customer service for major U.S. companies.

Many new businesses, suppliers for large manufacturing plants, continue to spring up throughout the area, which has been experiencing a shortage of qualified workers at all levels. Toyota, in particular, has attracted a wide range of suppliers. To meet Toyota's high standards, each business requires a skilled workforce. Moreover, the demand for well-educated employees continues to grow as new industries affect wage rates in the broader region and cause movement in the employee pool. Clearly, the participation in education, both credit and noncredit, is increasing. There is a continuing demand for higher education to actively engage in addressing workforce issues of education and training. The new engineering program at the University of Southern Indiana is an example of how the University of Southern Indiana is meeting the needs of existing and new businesses.

Mindful of its obligation to serve the region and the state, 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. The University of Southern Indiana continues its strong tradition of service, particularly in the form of continuing education and employee development training, to meet the ever-changing needs of area businesses and industrial firms, as well as of K-12 schools and the public sector.

The University of Southern Indiana has positioned itself to respond with appropriate and needed educational programs and services to further growth and progress. A comprehensive study of workforce and economic development needs in the region was completed in 1999-2000. The study identified shortages of baccalaureate- and master-educated people needed by regional employers, and, as a result, university curricula were revised and new degree programs put in place, including engineering, applied computer science, special education, health service management, early childhood education, and public administration. In all, 13 new programs have been added and approximately 1,000 students have chosen these new major areas of study. 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."

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.

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.

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