Saturday, May 08, 2004
USI Board of Trustees approved operating budget and fee increase
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The University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees, during the May 8, 2004 board meeting, approved a $67.3 million annual operating budget and implemented a $6.41 fee increase to $133.91 per credit hour for Indiana undergraduate students. USI President H. Ray Hoops reported that the fee increase would be used for ongoing operational costs including personnel, benefits, and utilities as well as new investments in faculty, instructional technology, and equipment. Even with the increase, USI continues to offer the lowest tuition and fees of any of the public baccalaureate universities in Indiana. Dr. Hoops emphasized that the University remains committed to having the lowest rates. Fees for Indiana resident graduate students will increase to $194.52 per credit hour. Non-resident fees for undergraduates will increase to $319.41 per credit hour and $384.22 per credit hour for graduate students. The operating budget is made up of state appropriation, student fees, and other income. The new budget will allow for an increase in faculty and staff, an expansion of library reference materials, programs for recruiting and retaining students, alumni initiatives, engineering program growth, and costs related to enrollment increases. In other business, the Board of Trustees approved construction bids for the new Rice Library project. Deig Brothers Lumber and Construction Company will be the general contractor. Ground will be broken in a June 1 ceremony at 4 p.m. on the site. The board also approved the 10-year capital plan for USI. The plan includes, in the near term 2005-07, a School of Business/General Classroom building at $33.8 million, expansion of the Fitness Center, $7.2 million; and a student residence building, $7.7 million. The University’s Code of Student Behavior was reviewed this past year by a University committee and the revised edition was approved by the board. The code of conduct will be reviewed annually by a University committee and revisions will be reported to the board. Departing board members Tina M. Kern-Raibley of Evansville and Thomas F. McKenna of Carmel were recognized for their service and leadership over the past years. Kern-Raibley served as the alumni representative on the board. |
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