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June 22, 2018
Northwest Missouri State University’s Board of Regents during its regular meeting Friday approved the University’s 2018-2019 budget, which includes the Education & General (E&G) Budget and the Auxiliary Services Budget, totaling about $119 million.
The budget addresses strategic investments, revenues, reallocations and expense reductions based on mission-critical priorities related to delivering high-quality learning experiences, protecting access and affordability, valuing faculty and staff, preserving long-term viability, and building for the University’s future. The University also gathered input from faculty, staff and students throughout its process of preparing its budget.
It reflects a decrease of 2.6 percent, or $800,000, in state appropriations and a 1 percent tuition increase for undergraduate students that the Board approved in March. It also includes discipline‐specific course fees and increased room and board rates.
In her presentation to the Board, Northwest Vice President of Finance Stacy Carrick reiterated the University’s goal of building a budget that aligns with multi-year strategic plan objectives focused on growing revenues and gaining operational efficiencies as part of an overall financial plan.
Carrick highlighted a number of strategic objectives in which the University is investing, including profession-based learning and co-curricular experiences as well as online professional programs in fields such as business and education and the launch of an online registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in nursing (RN-to-BSN) program. Northwest also continues to invest in initiatives aimed at cultivating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community climate and expanding programs, such as student employment and Safe Rides, for which students have voiced a deep appreciation. Additionally, upgrades to facilities and infrastructure are key components of the University’s financial strategy as they relate to organizational viability.
“As we think about what’s happening in the economic environment, with what’s happening across the state and the nation with regard to higher education, we are continuing to transform our business model,” Carrick said, noting Northwest’s growth in online programs as one example. “We are looking at how we selectively let go of the past, optimize for today and build for the future.”
Among other agenda items, the Board approved a five-year renewal of its dining services contract with Aramark Educational Services, LLC. Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Matt Baker noted Northwest’s Campus Dining offerings continue to receive favorable support from students and the University’s dining services scores in the top tier of national benchmark surveys.
The Board approved two technology-related items in alignment with the University’s student-approved cybersecurity designated fee. The Board approved a five-year cybersecurity contract with Howard Technologies for services provided by Barracuda, an industry leader in network protection, to enhance email security and help protect against phishing, ransomware and ghostware attacks. The Board also approved a three-year technology purchase through Microsoft to add security services and help protect against unauthorized access to University user accounts.
The Board approved a revised 2019-2020 academic calendar to address inconsistencies in class schedules and explore opportunities for intercession coursework between traditional semesters. As a result, Northwest’s fall 2019 semester will begin Wednesday, Aug. 21, and provide students with a week-long break during the Thanksgiving holiday. With the same premise, the Board approved Northwest’s 2020-21 academic calendar; fall classes in 2020 begin Wednesday, Aug. 19.
The Board also approved the appointments of 239 full-time faculty and 116 adjunct faculty for the 2018-2019 academic year. Additionally, the Board approved the renewal of an agreement between Northwest and the Northwest Foundation, which oversees and manages private donations in support of the University.
The Board reelected Dr. Pat Harr as its chair and Dr. Marilou Joyner as vice chair.
The Board of Regents is responsible for sound resource management of the University and determining general, educational and financial policies.
