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University Council Minutes
February 28, 2012
UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
February 28, 2012
Minutes as amended and approved on 3/20/12.
Present: Council members R.Anderson, G Brody, C.Daniels, D.Early, P.Gaffney, J.Hunt, J.Kilfoyle, B.Jones, R. McKelvey, T.O’Neill, P.Gafney, K.Ray, J. Schrum, T.Shelton, D.Stones, R.Swain, and D.Voskuil. Guests Gary Logan, John McCann, and Todd Watson also attended.
President Schrum called the meeting to order at 1:14 p.m. The minutes from February 14, 2012 were approved.
Kathi Ray brought forward a proposal from Staff Affairs Council that three additional representatives of the SU Staff be included in University Council. They would be appointed to staggered two-year terms by that council to represent physical plant, support/service, and administrative staff classifications. After a brief discussion, the motion was passed.
An update on budget assumptions was the main agenda items. Schrum started with some projections: we expect a $1.2 million increase in SU’s health care costs; a 2.9% tuition increase (the lowest increase in 13 years) has already been approved; the goal is a 2% salary increase pool; we may or may not be able to stay at the 5% spending rate on the endowment (most peer institutions are between 4 and 5, but we are at the high end); we hope to build in a $500,000 contingency. Anderson mentioned that some expenses are still forthcoming, and such things as computer replacement must be budgeted. Voskuil projected Fall 2012 enrollment of 375 First Year students (up 9%), 50 transfers, 15 readmits, and 978 continuing students. Early questioned the continuing slow rate of growth of our endowment compared to that at our peer institutions. Logan mentioned that investment firms have moved from a 10-12% annual increase target to a more modest 7-8%. Shelton expressed concern regarding the financial impact of the new CIO position. Candidates told faculty the new structure would cost more money rather than save money. The President stated that the candidates lack information to make such a prediction, partly because the University has requested grant funds to help with the transition. Voskuil stated that Admissions needs more staff in light of increased enrolment targets and addition of football and women’s lacrosse. The President emphasized SU’s tuition dependence and that we need to redouble our efforts to recruit, retain, and graduate students. The Board of Trustees will vote on the budget on March 30. An additional meeting to further discuss budget implications was scheduled for 11:30 AM on Tuesday, March 20.
There was a discussion about how the 2% salary pool for the 2012-2013 academic year might be used if approved. The Council unanimously approved a recommendation to Senior Staff that full time employees be awarded equal dollar amount increases, rather than equal percentage increases, subject to normal University practices regarding timing of salary increases. This will provide more benefit for those with lower pay.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Dave Stones
