July 22, 2016
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State University Board of Trustees today approved detailed allocations of the general fund budget plan for 2016-17, which initially was accepted at its meeting on May 6.
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 academic programming expenses to launch the new College of Health and $2.4 million in additional faculty and staff salaries with a strong merit component.
“We remain grateful to the Indiana legislature for providing a $2.2 million increase to Ball State, which shows tremendous support for our mission and performance,” said Bernard Hannon, vice president for Business Affairs and treasurer. “Using this modest increase in revenues and adding $15 million in reallocations resulting from careful stewardship, we are able to fund strategic priorities such as the new college, faculty and staff salaries, and scholarship support for students.”
In other business, Jennifer Bott, PhD, dean of the Miller College of Business, presented a report to the Academic and Student Affairs Committee on the strategic priorities for the college, including discussion of enrollment growth, resourcing signature programs and further developing the student-centered experience.
Bott shared some impressive statistics, including a 96 percent placement rate for Miller graduates, a 100 percent placement rate for logistics majors, having one of the top-ranked programs for online MBAs, and a CPA pass rate 4 percent higher than the national average and second-highest in the state.
“The Miller experience is defined by expert instruction delivered by engaged and committed faculty members, coupled with varied and authentic applied experiences with a focus on developing the economy of Indiana and the region,” Bott said.
Also today, the board approved a University Senate proposal to enhance the sick leave policy. Employees now may use more of their designated sick days either to care for an ill family member or to help facilitate a new adoption or foster placement in the family. The proposal came from a recommendation by the Gender Equity Task Force.
Finally, the board approved two department name changes: the Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services to the Department of Counseling Psychology, Social Psychology and Counseling; and the Department of Physiology and Health Science to the Department of Nutrition and Health Science.