Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Operating budget request approved
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Trustees approved a $4.5 million operating budget request for 2009-2010 and an additional $2.2 million for 2010-2011 after reviewing the prioritized needs for enrollment growth, degree completion, on-time degree completion, a special appropriation adjustment, and quality improvement initiatives at the University of Southern Indiana. A capital budget request for a Teaching Theatre, at $15 million, and a $2.2 million repair and rehabilitation request were approved at the July meeting of the Board of Trustees. Funding for enrollment change continues to be a major component of USI’s operating budget request. USI will ask the state for funding at $3,500 per full-time Indiana student based on the four-year rolling average for an additional 155 full-time students. In 2007-09 Indiana adopted two performance incentive funding formulas, degree completion and on-time degree completion. The average number of baccalaureate degrees conferred at USI increased from 879 to 1,001 from 2001-2002 to 2006-2007. USI is requesting funding at $4,000 for an additional 122 degrees based on the two-year average. From 2001-2002 to 2003-2004, the number of four-year degrees increased by 4.3 percent. USI is requesting funding at $5,000 per baccalaureate degree for an additional 85 degrees conferred. In 2008 a record number of students graduated, exceeding 1,700 for the first time in USI history. In the special appropriation adjustment, USI seeks an additional $250 in 2009-2010 and $125 in 2010-2011 per full-time Indiana student to address disparities in funding. The University also will request funding to maintain current programs and implement new initiatives during the biennium. Funds requested for two new quality improvement initiatives will support the development of the STEM Teaching Improvement Institute and ADAPT, Affordable Degree Attainment through Professional Training. The institute will provide pre-service and in-service training and professional development opportunities to increase the number of qualified teachers in science, mathematics, and technology disciplines in K-12 schools. For students most at-risk of failing to complete their degrees, USI will provide intensive academic and career-preparatory services through ADAPT. Among the objectives of the program are to improve the quality and quantity of on-campus work experiences; provide professional training for student workers, provide personalized academic coaching for at-risk students; successfully retain a larger share of working students; and increase degree completion rates for working students. Trustees reviewed housing rates for 2009-2010 and approved a modest increase of $50 for students in two-bedroom apartments and residence halls with two students per bedroom. Meal plan rates for the 2009-2010 academic year were approved at $1,625 to allow for normal increases in food and labor costs. Trustees met in the Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center/Palmina and Stephen S. Pace Galleries, a new venue on campus for art exhibits. The University is planning a dedication and open house of the facility beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, to which the public is invited. Kathy W. Funke News & Information Services kfunke@usi.edu or 812/465-7050 |
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