USI trustees hear updates on construction projects, graduate employment

During its regular meeting on July 14, 2016, the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees approved a $111.8 million operating budget for the 2016-2017 academic year. Income is from fee revenues, state appropriations, and other sources.

The board heard an update on campus construction projects, including information and renderings of renovation and expansion of the Physical Activities Center (PAC), and construction of the new Fuquay Welcome Center. Groundbreaking for the welcome center is set for September 1, 2016. A date for the PAC groundbreaking is expected in the near future.

The 6,000-square-foot easily accessible Fuquay Welcome Center, to be located adjacent to the Orr Center, will serve as the central point for convening all campus tours. The center also will serve the more than 200,000 people who annually use the USI campus for activities other than academic classes.

The renovation and expansion of the PAC will be the first since the building opened its doors in 1980. The PAC is the home court of USI's Screaming Eagles athletics programs and the site of fall and spring commencement exercises at USI. It's also home to Athletics offices and a number of academic classrooms.

The board also heard a report from Phil Parker, director of USI Career Services and Internships, who presented the results of the 2015 Graduate Survey to the board. The report, a six-month follow up survey of graduates from fall 2014, spring 2015 and summer 2015, shows that 88 percent of survey respondents indicated they were employed. Average starting salaries ranged by college from more than $32,500 to more than $44,800.

Parker reported on recruitment events sponsored by Career Services and Internships, external partnerships between the University and professional associations, and new initiatives for the 2016-2017 year.

The board also heard a review of the Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan and 2017-2019 Operating Budget Request, and appointed board officers. Jeffrey Knight was selected to serve a second term as board chair. Other board-elected officers for the coming year include W. Harold Calloway, first vice chair, Ken Sendelweck, second vice chair and Amy MacDonell, secretary.