President Jo Ann Gora set the tone of her address to the University Senate with the opening line, "things aren't looking good."
The Indiana Senate passed a measure that would cut $19.5 million from Ball State's operating budget.
The House proposed a $13.5 million cut last month. The Senate measure would take an additional $6 million from the operating budget with that money going to the school's repair and rehabilitation fund. That means a deeper cut than earlier expected, though the money would not be lost altogether.
"Of course it's not over til it's over," Gora said. "There's still time to lobby and effect the outcome."
However, after the budget is finalized April 29, the university's actions will be restrained by state regulations, Gora said.
She explained to the group of faculty and staff representatives that the Commission for Higher Education will make tuition recommendations on that same day, but it can't publish anything until May 13. Gora said she wants to gather opinions from the campus community, but since she can't hold a public forum until at least 10 days after the CHE recommendations are published, the group on campus will be much smaller.
"We're bound by the process," she said. "May 26 is the earliest we can meet."
Decisions will be made quickly after that. The Board of Trustees could meet as early as that evening to vote on tuition for the next biennium, and they have to finalize the university's budget by July 1.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place two weeks from today, and Gora said she encourages students and employees to attend. It's the last chance they'll be able to participate in the process before summer session begins.
Plan for a long sit in. The meeting held at 3 p.m. in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center will take longer than usual because university officials will present ideas on how to improve the tuition structure. The good news, Gora said, is that the board doens't have to take any action at the meeting.
Read More
IPR: Indiana Michigan Power extends Tillotson Avenue road construction project
By Indiana Public Radio / 6 days agoOriginally, the project had a November completion date. In a statement Thursday, the company says it has found more damage to “the existing underground infrastructure.”
Indiana Capital Chronicle: New revenue eaten up by Medicaid budget forecast
By Indiana Capital Chronicle / December 18, 2024Actuaries defend $1B ‘mistake’
Ball State holds 200th Commencement ceremony
By Trinity Rea / December 14, 2024Ball State University held its 200th commencement ceremony Dec. 14, celebrating over 1,200 Cardinal graduates.
