MSU officials provide update on budget
University won't know its exact financial situation until late April at the earliestby Derek Wehrwein
Issue date: 2/19/09
Section: Campus News
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President Richard Davenport and vice presidents Rick Straka and Scott Olson addressed the state's budget forecast and its implications for the university and students. Their main message: sit tight, because MSU won't know its exact financial situation until late April at the earliest.
Wednesday's forum was the second in a series of meetings held to inform students, staff and faculty about the budget process. The budget outlook has deteriorated somewhat since the last forum was held, as Davenport noted that the projected $4.8 billion state deficit might balloon into a $7 billion deficit.
Still, Davenport struck a positive note in his opening remarks, saying, "A lot of good news is coming on the horizon, but not definitive yet."
He addressed the $787 billion stimulus package passed by Congress, about $9 billion of which is expected to go toward Minnesota in the form of tax cuts and federal aid. While the effect and implications of the stimulus bill on higher education in the state are not yet fully understood, Davenport said, he noted "we're going to see that there are a lot of new grants and money available for students."
The other major development discussed Wednesday was the Inter Faculty Organization's decision to offer a salary freeze in its contract negotiations with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. MSU officials unanimously praised the decision.
"What the IFO has done by offering a salary freeze is a huge help moving forward," Straka said. "We can't say enough about the leadership in moving that proposal forward."
Among the other highlights of the meeting:
• Straka said the economy has "shut off," tax revenue is significantly down and the state "just isn't getting money in the coffers." He reviewed MSU's plan to deal with the $1.5 million that Gov. Tim Pawlenty has taken back from the university to help cover the state's immediate shortfall. He said he was expecting to face a second unallotment soon.
• Davenport emphasized he didn't believe students would see double-digit tuition increases for at least the next two years. During a question and answer period, however, speakers admitted MnSCU is considering revising and raising the 3-percent tuition hike recommendation it made last year.
• Straka said enrollment management is "priority No. 1" for MSU, and that it is critical for the university to at least maintain its current enrollment levels.
• MSU officials are looking at how to best utilize available classrooms. Straka hinted at the possibility of Saturday classes, and Olson said classes may soon be held in Ostrander Auditorium. Already several social science classes are being taught in Stadium Cinema.
Derek Wehrwein is the Reporter editor in chief
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Colonel Gentleman
posted 2/19/09 @ 5:46 PM CST
"Already several social science classes are being taught in Stadium Cinema."
The Carmike theater? That's ... interesting. Can someone who's taking one of those classes elaborate?
Anyway, interesting article. (Continued…)
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