MnSCU to ask legislature for $630 million annually in next two years
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Just got this from MnSCU HQ:
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities board approves budget request
to Legislature
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees on
Wednesday approved a recommendation from Chancellor James H. McCormick
that the board request $630 million annually from the state in 2012 and
2013.
The request is the amount set by the Legislature as the base last
session.
"The request recognizes the state’s difficult economic situation,"
said Scott Thiss, who chairs the Board of Trustees. "By funding the
request, the Legislature would help us hold down tuition increases and
give more Minnesotans a chance to gain the skills and knowledge they
need in today’s job market.”
Chancellor James H. McCormick said: "Employers in every region of
the state depend on the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to
prepare and maintain a skilled workforce, increase employee productivity
and promote new business growth. In the near future, this state simply
must have more college graduates to remain globally competitive. To do
this, we are working hard to recruit, retain and graduate more students
but we must have adequate resources.” Eighty percent of the system’s
graduates remain in the state.
The request amounts to a $49.7 million increase and would provide
funding to preserve quality in instructional and student support
services, provide 21st century equipment in classrooms and laboratories,
invest in systemic efficiency improvements and sustain cutting-edge
workforce development programs.
Currently, the system receives less state support than it did in
fiscal year 2002. The system has experienced a 25 percent enrollment
increase in recent years, placing tremendous pressures on faculty and
student services.
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