President Sias informed the board that $6 million of requested capital campaign goal would be allocated for upgrades to the university's athletic infrastructure. President Sias explained that to prevent potential injuries to student-athletes and remain competitive in the conference, athletic facilities and equipment required upgrades. Additional athletic projects would include modernization of the football field, stadium track, baseball field dugouts, roof replacement at Alumni Stadium and the addition of a second story to the Alumni Stadium building.
President Sias would also allocate $4 million to endow chairs and professors, scholarships for students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields with high grade point averages.
President Sias has made a minimum pledge of $37,500 towards the capital campaign and she further stated that it is imperative that all should make a gift pledge to the campaign to help KSU secure futures for generations.
President Sias and Mr. Steve Mason, KSU Chief of Staff, provided an update on the 2012 Kentucky Legislative Session. The following bills were discussed:
State Budget — Governor recommended a 6.4% cut to universities ($1.68 million impact on KSU); no state funded bond projects included
Senate Bill 45: Bill further defines the role of university regents
Senate Bill 88: Bill raises the minimum grade point average and ACT score to qualify for KEES scholarship awards
Senate Bill 111: Bill adds non-votina student member to university boards
House Bill 260: Bill seeks to add the private University of Pikeville as a state public university
Other bills mentioned related to:
o early graduation of high school students
o naming rights of public buildings
o CPE's reorganization to Governor's Office
○ Governor's ability to remove university regents/trustees
o KEES Supplemental awards
Mr. Steve Mason reviewed the AASCU Top 10 Higher Education State Policy Issues of 2012 with the board. A handout was provided to regents.
President Sias will serve as AASCU's Chair beginning in October 2013.
President Sias discussed the potential impact of federal budget cuts on various programs affecting KSU and its students.
Title III funding will be reduced in the federal budget.
The Pell Grant program will only fund students for 12 semesters instead of the current 18 semesters
Federal Student Loan Repayment schedules will be shortened; default repayment schedules will be shortened also