President Sias distributed Enrollment Fact Sheets and the KSU Mini-Factbook 2011-12 to regents. The Mini-Fact Book also includes new information about the new College of Agriculture and additional information about online courses.
President Sias requested that Dr. Carolyn Carter discuss the KSURGE initiative. Dr. Carter stated that this initiative is a focus on increased student success. The kickoff of this initiative begins in January 2012 with a large campus gathering of over 300 persons to discuss perceived barriers to student success and potential short and long-term solutions. The campus discussion was facilitated by professional facilitators from EKU and the report will be distributed to the entire campus community. A KSURGE committee will be created to address the issues identified and to develop recommendations to President Sias about how to increase student achievement.
President Sias has identified intrusive advising as one strategy that the will be implemented to enhance student progress.
President Sias asked Steve Mason, Chief of Staff and Legislative Liaison, to discuss the outcome of the Kentucky Legislative Session. Mr. Mason stated that all postsecondary institutions will incur a 6.4% reduction in their state appropriations. Further, Mr. Mason advised that the Legislature did not approve any Maintenance and Operations (M&O) funding or agency funded bonds for higher education. Veterinary school spaces at Tuskegee for Kentucky students were approved. KEES and CAP (need-based scholarships) were fully funded. The Adult Learning Degree Attainment Program (an initiative of Rep. Arnold Simpson, alumnus of KSU) was funded in the amount of $375,000 to be administered by the Council on Postsecondary Education. The Adult Learning Degree Attainment program expects to increase college degree attainment through a collaborative effort with KCTCS and two comprehensive universities. KSU plans to offer a proposal to KCTCS to assist with the programming of non-traditional students.
Mr. Mason informed the board that the request for a pedestrian walkway across US 60/East Main Street was approved by the Legislature in the State Road Plan. The appropriation for this project will be included in the next biennium.
Mr. Mason also informed the board that the Kentucky Supreme Court had recently decided a case that would allow persons to keep a concealed weapon in their cars on postsecondary campuses.
Regent Guarnieri asked whether there was coordination between universities to share equipment because of the continued budget cuts. President Sias stated that it would be difficult and there may not be enough time to share equipment (particularly in nursing), though the university would be open to future co-sharing opportunities. Regent Whitehead stated that he would be in support of co-sharing opportunities.