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Strategic Planning and Budgeting University Reaccreditation 2007 MSU Moorhead |
November
2001 Campus Update November 26, 2001 To: The Campus Community From:
President Barden Re: News and Issues Budget Update: As the state of Minnesota faces financial uncertainty with the rest of the nation, the Governor’s Office has requested all state budget participants to develop scenarios for budget reduction options for the current biennium. This means that MSU Moorhead, along with the other MnSCU institutions, must participate in this planning exercise. Governor Ventura will use the proposed budget reduction scenarios as he develops his Budget Message for consideration by the state legislature during the 2002 session. The State Commissioner of Finance has requested that state budget participants prepare two planning scenarios for the current biennium: one that would reduce the current state appropriation to MnSCU by 5% and one that would reduce the current state appropriation by 10%. MSU Moorhead must participate in this planning exercise. Keep in mind that 5% of MSUM’s FY2002 appropriation is $1.5 million (or, $3 million on a biennial basis). By mid-December, we are asked to provide MnSCU with our budget reduction scenarios. From there, the presidents of the 34 MnSCU institutions will join the executive staff of the Office of the Chancellor to recommend responses for consideration by the Board of Trustees. Budget reduction planning may be necessary as a response to an ailing economy. However, if handled ineffectively such planning exercises can be costly endeavors if we lose sight of our morale and our mission. We must, and will, continue to emphasize that an investment in higher education is one of the best ways to strengthen a struggling economy and provides the foundation for continued prosperity in the years to come. Students are at the center of our mission. We will ensure that they continue to receive the best education possible, regardless of strained resources. I will keep you informed as we progress. Enrollment Update: Thanks to the hard work of everyone in the campus community, we are enjoying high numbers of prospective student visits and contacts. Cindy Herring, interim director of admissions, reports that new student applications are higher than they have been since 1991. At the National College Fair, MSU Moorhead representatives visited with more than 850 students. Preview Day in early November showed a 9% increase of participants over last year. Further, during the two-day conferences for Education Minnesota and the North Dakota Educator's Association, we had 24% more prospective students than the previous year participate in campus tours. Of course, the final outcome will be determined in the fall by the numbers of students who actually enroll and show up for class. As I have emphasized every semester, each of you is integral to ensuring that prospective students and their families have an excellent campus visit experience, and that students ultimately have an outstanding higher education experience at MSU Moorhead. Teacher of the Year for Minnesota: Hearty congratulations go to Jim Bartruff, professor of theatre arts, for being named the Minnesota Teacher of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Professor Bartruff is the fourth MSU Moorhead professor to win the award in the last eleven years. This is indeed a great honor for Professor Bartruff, and the rest of our university community! December Commencement: On Friday, Dec. 21 we will celebrate the success of nearly 300 graduates. Commencement ceremonies begin at 2 p.m. at the Fargo Civic Auditorium. We look forward to the keynote address presented by distinguished alum and colleague Dr. Helen Klassen, president of White Earth Tribal and Community College. Proposed Salary Equity Settlement: MnSCU has agreed to a proposed $500,000 settlement of one-time payments in the class action lawsuit on behalf of all non-adjunct female faculty employed by MSU Moorhead between Nov. 21, 1998 and Aug. 6, 2001. In addition, a prospective adjustment of base salaries for some members of the class totaling $204,000 is included in the settlement. The case will not be closed until after a court hearing scheduled for Jan. 4, 2002. MSU Moorhead has a reserve in the M&E budget that can be used for the proposed one-time payments. The cost of the proposed prospective adjustments to base pay will be included with the costs of all other salary improvements as negotiations of labor contracts are completed. Celebration of the Season: I thank those students, staff and faculty who make MSUM a noteworthy participant in the Festival of Wreaths, the Merry Prairie Christmas Parade, Holiday Lights in Lindenwood Park, and the upcoming Holiday Party for neighborhood kids. Combined Charities Campaign: If you are considering making a gift through the combined Charities Campaign, please do so soon. The campaign will continue through this week. |
