Topics: Administrative, Board of Trustees
May 6, 2016
The Ball State Board of Trustees on Friday approved the 2016-17 budget plan, which will allow for increased scholarship funds, the launching of the new College of Health, and rewarding meritorious employees.
The Ball State Board of Trustees today approved the general fund budget plan for 2016-17, using significant savings from careful stewardship and modest new revenues to provide additional scholarship funds, launch the new College of Health and reward meritorious employees.
In the last state budget, the state appropriated a $2.2 million increase to Ball State, and the board approved a tuition rate increase of 1.6 percent for fall 2016. The tuition increase is the same amount as the change approved for fall 2015, which was the university’s lowest tuition increase in 39 years. Consistent with last year’s budget, any fees that are charged in addition to tuition will remain frozen at the fall 2014 rates.
In adopting the 2016-17 budget, the board allocated the additional revenue, as well as savings from reductions in other expenses, primarily toward a $1 million increase in student financial aid, $1.1 million in expenses to launch the new College of Health and $2.4 million in additional faculty and staff salaries.
“We are thankful to the Indiana legislature for providing the $2.2 million increase in funding to Ball State, enabling us to create a new College of Health and demonstrating confidence in the university’s mission and performance,” said Bernard Hannon, vice president for Business Affairs and treasurer. “The university also will receive state funding for the Launch Indiana program, partnering with the lieutenant governor’s office, Launch Fishers and Indiana communities to provide support and expertise in creating a statewide entrepreneurial climate.”
Trustee Renae Conley, chair of the Finance, Facilities and Planning Committee, expressed that the budget reflected the university’s commitment to providing value to Ball State students and Indiana taxpayers.
“The funding of the new College of Health and other initiatives advances the university’s mission of providing high-quality programs that produce successful graduates and positively impact the state’s economy,” commented Conley. “At the same time, the lowest tuition increases in decades and the increase in financial aid reflect our focus on fiscal responsibility and affordability.”
The new College of Health, which brings together multiple health-related disciplines, establishes Ball State’s leadership in this vital field, while setting its students apart in the job market. The college will offer seven degree tracks and 19 clinics, centers or labs, and it will house the Fisher Institute of Health and Well-Being.
Ball State has a significant role in Launch Indiana, whose mission is to increase the number of successful Indiana-based, innovation-driven enterprises through mentorship and education.
The board also approved funding a 2 percent increase to the salary pool for faculty and professional personnel in 2016-17, with raises based largely on merit. A 2 percent increase in funding for staff salaries also was approved.