Operating budgets, the university calendar, and a new privately funded scholarship were the focus of the multi-pronged meeting of the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents yesterday.
The regents approved a $139 million operating budget, for FY21, which begins on July 1, said Vice President for Finance and Administration Kathy Mangels. That amount is down 2.7% from FY20.
Mangels said the university is looking ahead based on various factors that are expected to affect the university.
“We are really doing planning here fiscally over a three year period,” she said. “We know that the effects of several things - on state appropriation challenges, the continued enrollment decline, but also the effects of COVID - will take some time for the economy to come back.”
The budget need for FY21 alone is an estimated $13.39 million, with an additional $7.41 million needed between FY22 and FY23.
The plan for the fall semester schedule was also rolled out by Southeast President Carlos Vargas during the meeting. That full list was also emailed to the student community today. The schedule for in person classes this fall eliminates fall break, holds classes on Labor day, but moves all classes online after Thanksgiving break.
Vargas spoke about the establishment of the Scholarship for Advocacy, Equity, and Justice, which was created as a privately funded scholarship in response to a nationwide challenge by Dr. Scott Hagan, President of North Central University. Hagan encouraged universities to create scholarships in memory of George Floyd, a Black man killed in Minneapolis by police on Memorial Day.
Among the features of the meeting was the swearing in of Lloyd Smith of Sikeston, who was appointed to the board by Gov. Mike Parson. He replaced Jay B. Knudtson whose term expired.
The Board of Regents additionally honored Knudtson for his service. They also recognized Luke Legrand, the former Student Representative to the Board of Regents whose term has expired. He has been replaced by senior Lauren Kohn.
Additionally, Vargas delivered information about the return from telework on campus and summer classes and events.