Executive Summary
CORE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: $113,239,000
Through its ongoing, comprehensive strategic planning process, Southeast Missouri State University conducted a Strategic Planning Forum in February 2008 where it identified five key priorities for the institution. In an earlier version of its strategic plan, adopted in 1996, the University committed to several initiatives such as a new School of Polytechnic Studies and the development of three new area higher education canters. These initiatives were for a time (FY1998-FY2001) supported by Mission Enhancement funds that were to have become part of the base budget, but which essentially have been eliminated from appropriations due to state revenue shortfalls in the past three years.
In its strategic plan, the University is committed to improving participation in and access to higher education throughout its service region; enhancing opportunities for student experiential learning; and providing excellence in all aspects of its operations - including academic programs, human capital, physical facilities, and service to students. These Southeast priorities and the University’s continuing Mission Enhancement initiatives guide the budget requests contained in this document, and are fully supportive of the Department of Higher Education’s priorities of (1) increasing participation in higher education, (2) improving preparation of high school students for that participation; and (3) improving the performance excellence of institutions.
The economy of this region of Missouri served only by Southeast Missouri State University is essentially rural and historically has been dependent on agriculture, mining, timber products, and small manufacturing plants. As a group, these industries based on natural resources and the region’s relatively under-educated labor force have been a declining sector of employment opportunity. These factors create a need for increased higher educational opportunities in Southeast Missouri in order to give the people of this region a place in the future economy.
Southeast Missouri State University is the only baccalaureate and graduate degree granting institution physically located in the 24 out-state counties of its service region. Thus, maintenance of its core programs as outlined in this budget request, and enhancement of those programs where possible, is essential for the economic development of this large, economically- and educationally-depressed region.
Priority
Number
1 CORE MISSION FUNDING $2,175,700
In accordance with Missouri Department of Higher Education recommendations, the University is requesting funds for increases to the FY 2010 Core budget to support the core mission items. Included are anticipated increases to health insurance benefits, increased cost of utilities purchases, and costs of education related to student enrollment increase.
This proposal would improve the University's ability to meet costs associated with continuing operations.
2 INFLATIONARY INCREASES $1,120,816
In order to meet costs associated with providing quality education to a growing population of students, the University is requesting additional appropriations that will assist in meeting costs of inflation and increasing costs of operations.
As the University continues to meet students' needs for an affordable education, costs of operations to remain competitive have significantly increased. Increasing performance demands on faculty and staff due to increased student enrollment have created the need for positions to be filled quicker. Expansion of course offerings to meet student demands have required new faculty positions to be created. Successive years of little or no salary increases have caused University salary offerings to fall well below AAUP and CUPA medians.
The funding of this proposal would allow for the necessary instruction and scholarship expenses associated with increased enrollment while also assisting with the recruitment and retention of quality faculty and staff personnel.
3 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR $5,323,000
In addition to the FY 2011 Capital Appropriations request, Southeast Missouri State University has identified a wide range of essential maintenance and repair projects to existing facilities. While no project alone warrants inclusion in the Capital Appropriations request, collectively these projects ware vital to adequately maintain and preserve the University's $469.2 million physical plant investments.
Core budget appropriations for FY 10 included a total of $1,715,640 for ongoing physical plant maintenance and repair efforts. This $5,323,000 request will provide an annual maintenance and repair budget valued at 1.5% of the physical plant replacement value ($469 million) and for the University's critical need for roof replacements an aged infrastructure repairs. Ideally, annual maintenance and repair expenditures should fall in a range of 1.5%-2% of a University's physical plant replacement value. Consequently, Southeast will internally reallocate funds to match this request.
There are several buildings on campus with failing roof membranes. In many instances, the moisture from seepage is damaging building structure. Total roof replacement is necessary in order to preserve the interior finishes and exterior support system. This request addresses this significant need as well as other essential projects to halt the continuing deterioration of buildings, building components, and site conditions.
4 MISSOURI RETURNING HEROES TUITION WAIVER $73,038
In compliance with Senate Bill 830, Southeast Missouri State University provided fee waivers to 31 qualified veterans enrolled during the academic year 2009. The funding of this request would provide reimbursements that can be used to meet the mandated Senate Bill waiver requirements.
5 ACCESS TO EXPANDED ACADEMIC OFFERINGS $1,824,800
A study conducted by MDHE identified a potential need for a community college that would serve the Cape Girardeau area. Additionally, program expansion needs have been identified at the Sikeston Regional Campus that will provide students continued, relevant academic and professional training opportunities for the rural Southeast Missouri region.
Funding of this proposal would allow a collaborative effort between Southeast Missouri State University and Mineral Area College that would provide community college offerings to the Cape Girardeau area. Funding would also assist in the costs of expansion that have taken place at the Sikeston Regional campus. The expansion of facilities and programs have been identified through efforts to best meet student enrollment increases, student enrollment interests, and community needs.
Printer-friendly
E-mail this page to a friend
