2012 Operating Budget Request
Executive Summary
CORE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: $116,249,000
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 centers. 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 prior 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 economical development 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
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CORE MISSION FUNDING
$2,408,700In accordance with Missouri Department of Higher Education recommendations, the University is requesting funds for increases to 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.
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MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
$5,514,000In addition to the FY 2012 Capital Appropriation 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 Appropriation request, collectively these projects are vital to adequately maintain and preserve the University’s $482.0 million physical plant investment.
Core budget appropriations for FY 11 included a total of $1,715,640 for ongoing physical plant maintenance and repair efforts. This $5,514,000 request will provide an annual maintenance and repair budget valued at 1.5% of the physical plant replacement value ($482 million) and for the University’s critical need for roof replacements. 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 with 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.
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INFLATIONARY INCREASES$2,920,000
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.