Assessment focus of Planning and Budget

How have assessment results been used? Provost James Mackin said the answer to that question is an important element in the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation process. Mackin gave an overview of BU's strategic planning process during the Thursday, Feb. 14, meeting of the Planning and Budget Committee.

Outlining BU's planning and assessment cycle that runs from June through April, Mackin said it is important to "close the loop" by using the results. More information about the process at BU is available in the "planning" folder on BU's S: Drive.

Also during the meeting:

• Barb Stiner, director of the budget office, reviewed a "snapshot" of BU's 2007-08 budget status as of Dec. 8, 2007. Estimating FYE revenue of $110.1 million less funding salary, benefits, services, supplies and capital expenditures of $105.7 million for the fiscal year, BU is estimating nearly $4.4 million of revenue over expenditures.
• Dick Baker, chair of the Middle States steering committee, said more than 300 people responded to the recent online survey.
• Mackin shared statistics on freshman retention that showed little difference in retention for students who live in singles/doubles and those who are tripled. Retention rates are consistently lowest for freshmen who commute or live off campus.