Updates focus of Planning and Budget
Updates were the main order of business at the Planning and Budget Committee's first meeting of 2008-09 on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Dick Baker, chair of the Middle States Steering Committee, said that members of the committee's working groups are reviewing the draft report he compiled over the summer. The draft will be distributed to the campus community in early October. BU's reaccreditation visit from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education is set for April 2009.
Chris Keller, admissions director, said current enrollment is 1.3 percent higher than last year, with an unofficial total of 8,118 full-time students, including 1,401 new freshmen. BU received 11,056 applications for spots in the class of 2012, second only to West Chester within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Official enrollment figures are released on the 15th day of classes.
Richard Rugen, vice president for administration and finance, reviewed the 2009-2010 budget request of $117.7 million approved earlier this month by the Council of Trustees. Each of PASSHE's 14 universities submits a budget request that is used as a basis for the State System's appropriation request to the state legislature.
Provost James Mackin said action plans with a university-wide impact were given the highest priority in the selection process. Academic Affairs received funding of $182,000; Student Life received funding of $41,200.