Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes for June 27, 2023

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Last week, we held our Board of Governors meetings on the West Plains campus. It’s always great to visit and Dennis Lancaster and his team were excellent hosts.

Our new (and some returning) board members toured campus, and we received updates from our colleagues and student leaders in West Plains.

We had a full agenda and I’ll cover some of the highlights today.

Board approves FY24 budget

The board approved next year’s budget and improving employee compensation was a top priority. The budget includes a 5% across-the-board salary increase for full-time employees. It also includes a $1,500 one-time retention payment for full-time employees who are hired by July 1 and are still working at the university on Dec. 1.

We also increased the salaries and salary ranges for some groups of employees who have been very difficult to hire and retain.

New property insurance contract

The board approved a new contract with FM Global by Smith McGehee Insurance Solutions. FM Global uses a non-traditional method to set premiums. Its business approach considers that property losses can be prevented or mitigated. FM Global engineering personnel travel to insured locations to evaluate hazards and recommend improvements to property and work practices to reduce physical and financial risks.

As we’ve completed new construction or major renovation projects on campus, we’ve added sprinkler systems and taken other actions to improve the safety of our buildings. Because of this, we’re saving $61,422 on our premiums by switching to FM Global.

Revisions to faculty and employee handbooks

We added a new section to the Faculty Handbook. The new section – 4.5.1.10 University-wide Learning Management System (LMS) – requires all faculty members to use the new LMS for course management and communication.

Brightspace is a significant update to our LMS. We believe university-wide use will improve communication and student success.

The board approved several changes to the Employee Handbook:

  • We updated the flextime and remote work sections to assist employee needs and university retention.
  • We shortened the amount of time it takes for non-exempt employees to earn additional vacation.
  • We reduced the time required to be eligible to receive shared leave benefits.
  • We included part-time staff in the Staff Excellence in University Service Award.

Algerian Hart appointed to new role

I appointed, and the board approved, Algerian Hart’s permanent role as assistant to the president for inclusive engagement. He’ll be responsible for protecting and continuing the good work put in place over the last decade or more.

Algerian will focus on our internal culture of making Missouri State a welcoming place for all students, faculty and staff. He’ll also work with external groups and businesses to help make Springfield a more welcoming place.

I’m excited for Algerian to serve in this role.

Revisions to student code

The board approved changes to the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The changes clarify the process for cases of misconduct.

Enjoy the upcoming long holiday weekend and have a fun and safe 4th of July celebration!

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for May 9, 2023

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While there were some who doubted they would meet the 6 p.m. May 5 deadline, the General Assembly completed its work on the FY2024 budget – with plenty of time to spare (about an hour). Next stop is the governor’s desk. Since most of the items in the completed budget were in the governor’s budget, we expect Gov. Mike Parson to sign the bill.

It’s a very positive budget for Missouri State University and all of Missouri higher education. I’m thankful for a governor who is pro higher education. It’s a part of his workforce agenda.

We also have a tremendous local coalition of Senate and House members – both Republican and Democrat – who not only work hard for Springfield, but also for higher education.

DEI update

Thankfully, the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) language that was attached by the House to most of the budget bills was eliminated by the Senate budget committee, which is chaired by our own Sen. Lincoln Hough.

He stood firm on principle and guided the committee through a challenging process. He did masterful work in guiding the FY24 budget through the Senate and to the governor’s desk.

The DEI language was not reinstated during the budget conference process between the Senate and House.

Budget highlights

Here are the final details of the budget as they apply to Missouri State:

  • A 7% core increase for all public colleges and universities.
  • An additional 2% core increase to be distributed to public universities through the performance funding formula under development.
  • A $2 million MoExcels grant for a construction education and training hub.
  • An additional $17.5 million for the Center for Transformational Education for Life, Physical and Health Sciences.
  • $75,000 for reimbursement of tuition reductions for veterans.

There’s one week left of the 2023 General Assembly. A lot can happen and very little can happen, depending on the dynamics. We’ll know more about DEI-related bills at the end of next week. I plan to cover that in the May 23 issue of Clif’s Notes.

Attend the Town Hall on May 12

A reminder there is a Town Hall scheduled from 1-3 p.m. May 12 to present the Academic and Enrollment Realignment outcomes. You can attend in person at the PSU Theatre or via Zoom. You can also review FAQs on the Academic Realignment website.

Enjoy President’s Extra Given Day

And finally, since July 4 falls on a Tuesday this year, I thought it would be a good idea to give everyone July 3 off, as well. It will officially be a President’s Extra Given Day. Enjoy the extra time. I appreciate everyone’s hard work.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for April 11, 2023

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In case you’ve been wondering … the General Assembly convenes at the State Capitol in Jefferson City annually on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January. It can adjourn no later than May 30, with no consideration of bills after 6 p.m. on the first Friday following the second Monday in May.

So, for 2023, the session began on January 4 and will adjourn at 6 p.m. on May 12. The budget bills must be completed by May 5.

The processes of the Missouri General Assembly can many times seem arcane, but I can tell you that those who need to understand the appropriations process know it inside and out.

It starts with the governor, as you can see below, then it moves through the House. Next, the House hands off to the Senate. The House and the Senate then negotiate the final budget that is sent to the governor to sign. The governor may veto a bill in total, veto line items or allow the bill to pass.

Important things to note

As highlighted above, the budget currently resides in the Senate. Here’s an update on some of the critical pieces.

The House budget continues to include a 7% increase for higher education. However, 5% will be directly allocated and 2% is to be allocated using performance metrics currently being developed. This complicates how we would execute a monthly draw down on those funds so we can pay our bills. We’re working with our friends on the Senate Budget Committee to address this complication.

The bicameral General Assembly comprises a 34-member Senate and a 163-member House of Representatives. Of the 34-members of the Senate, the three members who represent the southwest region of Missouri serve on the 14-member Senate appropriations committee.

They include: Chair Lincoln Hough-30th, Karla Eslinger-33rd and Sandy Crawford-28th, all of whom have credentials from Missouri State University. They have been supportive of the university during this process and in the past.

As a point of reference, state appropriations account for about one-third of the Missouri State $300 million operating budget.

Additionally, the budget as it stands right now continues to include funding for our MoExcels project and the $35 million in capital for science building renovations.

Budget-wise, we think we are in good shape as things stand today. We’ll continue to keep you updated as the budget legislation continues to move through the process.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for Feb. 28, 2023

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It’s that time of the year when we dig in on the budget planning process.

We actually start to think about the upcoming fiscal year budget in November and December.  We review inflation rates, enrollment, what discussion other institutions are having about pay raises, special projects, etc.

As a reminder, the university’s fiscal year (FY) runs July 1-June 30. We’re currently in FY2023.

Salaries and inflation

The Executive Budget Committee met for the first time two weeks ago. This committee is made up of faculty, staff, students and administrators. It will meet throughout the coming months.

Inflation has been the number one topic throughout the university budget discussions for FY2024. It’s not just about salary increases that will provide some relief for our faculty and staff. It’s also about increased operational expenses also being driven by inflation – utilities, insurance, cost of food (for dining halls), etc.

For comparison on the impact of inflation, below are inflation rates for the last 10 years. Clearly the last two years have been challenging.

  • 2013 – 1.5%
  • 2014 – 0.8%
  • 2015 – 0.7%
  • 2016 – 2.1%
  • 2017 – 2.1%
  • 2018 – 1.9%
  • 2019 – 2.3%
  • 2020 – 1.4%
  • 2021 – 7.0%
  • 2022 – 6.5%

Looking forward

In the February meeting, the board made it clear that faculty and staff compensation will continue to be a priority for the coming year.

Last year, they approved a 4% across-the-board raise that went into effect July 1, 2022. The board is considering another across-the-board increase that would go into effect July 1, 2023, with the possibility of reserves for additional merit increases.

We will discuss the budget with the board again in May and bring them a final budget for approval in June. The timing aligns with the final state budget presented to the governor by the legislators at the end of May.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for Feb. 21, 2023

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On Feb. 17, the Board of Governors met, which was the first of five meetings held throughout the year. The other meetings occur in May, June, October and December.

In the other months, the board’s Executive Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month.

The board meetings are held so the governors can vote on resolutions that drive the general control and management of the university. These decisions may include:

  • Governing policies.
  • Hiring decisions.
  • Academic programs.
  • Long-range plans.
  • Real estate purchases.
  • Contracts greater than $250,000.
  • Budget.
  • Audits.
  • And more.

More information regarding the powers, role and responsibilities of the board can be found under governing policy G1.01-3 II.A.

There are 3 main standing committees – Risk and Audit Committee, Programs and Planning Committee and Finance and Facilities. Committee meetings are informational sessions that provide an opportunity for deeper discussions regarding upcoming resolutions.

Decisions voted on during the February meeting

One item the Board of Governors voted on during last week’s meeting was the purchase of property directly west of the Plaster Center (efactory) and south of the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center in IDEA Commons and adjacent to a university parking lot.

This purchase provides the university with the ownership of all property between the Plaster Center and JVIC. This property is well suited for future operational needs of the university.

The board also approved the revised academic calendar FY24 and FY25. As you may have noticed, the recent winter break for students seemed exceptionally long. This was a result of calendar adjustments made in the last several years.

Following a review of the calendar with all impacted constituencies – most importantly, our students – revised academic calendars for 2023-24 and 2024-25 were presented and approved.  This action returns the winter break to approximately four weeks, ending on Martin Luther King Day.

Another important motion voted upon was the establishment of The Center for Transformational Education for Life Physical and Health Science. This is a temporary structure to receive, hold and disburse construction funds throughout the life of the construction projects at Roy Blunt Hall, Cheek Hall and Kampeter Hall.

The center will be dissolved upon completion of these projects.

Updates and presentations

An initial review of the fiscal year 2024 budget was presented to the board. The budget will evolve over the next few months and will be presented for approval at the June board meeting.

I’ll have a more detailed review of the budget in an upcoming Clif’s Notes.

The current status of enrollment for fall 2023 was presented by Zora Mulligan. While it’s a snapshot in time, enrollment numbers are looking positive compared to last year’s numbers.

Athletics was the overall theme of the meeting. It started with a celebration of student athletes and their success on the field and in academics.

It ended with an overall review of athletics at Missouri State as presented by Athletics Director Kyle Moats. This review included a walk-thru of the new NCAA Division 1 rules.

New board member update

Our proposed new board members were scheduled to appear before the state Senate committee for confirmation on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

As a result of the success of the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, the hearing was postponed to Feb. 23 so legislators could attend the celebration and parade honoring the Chiefs.

Our proposed new governors, Tim Francka and Jeff Shrag, attended the committee and main meetings in an informal capacity.

Come to a BOG meeting

If you want to see the governing process in action, plan to attend a main meeting or committee meeting in the future. It’s a wonderful learning opportunity.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif