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 23, 2023

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The legislative session ended on a quiet note on May 12. As highlighted in my May 9 note, Missouri State University did very well regarding the final budget.  Again, we’re grateful to our supporters in the House and Senate.

This General Assembly passed a record low number of bills. None of them were related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The House added DEI language to the operating budget bills. This language was stripped as the budget worked through the Senate and failed to be re-introduced during the budget conference process between the House and Senate.

Sixty-four pieces of legislation were passed during this session; 19 were budget bills and five were concurrent resolutions that do not have the force of law like a bill.

Of the remaining 40 pieces of legislation, 33 were Senate bills (meaning they originated in the Senate) and seven were House bills.

An early priority established by Gov. Parson and the General Assembly was to address certain transgender issues. The General Assembly passed SB 39 banning gender transition treatments and surgeries on minors and SB 49 prohibiting students from participating in athletic contests using a sex other than the sex stated on their birth certificate.

The General Assembly did not pass legislation addressing many topics like critical race theory, DEI policies and practices, or environmental/social/governance policies and practices in investment and procurement. We expect these issues to reappear next year accompanied by a more cohesive effort to get them passed.

A review of DEI-related initiatives

As I noted a few weeks ago, we have more employees and students of color now than we did when I began as president of MSU.

More importantly, our programming, facilities, climate and culture are better as we work to close achievement gaps for student groups who have historically graduated at lower percentages than the student body as a whole. We’re also working to become an employer of choice for all.

Sometimes we’ve classified the initiatives that have helped us achieve progress in this area under the “diversity, equity and inclusion” umbrella even though they benefited people of all backgrounds. The Bear Bridge mentoring program is a good example of that.

We have the opportunity over the next few months to review these many, many initiatives to ensure they:

  • Support all our students in a way that continues to help us close the achievement gap.
  • Make us attractive to future faculty and staff.

We’ve already determined very few of our support offerings and programs are exclusive to a particular group of students. Those that are will be modified to be more inclusive.

To be clear, this process will not impact academic programs that focus on diverse topics.  Whether African American Studies or European History, these courses provide our students with the opportunity to become well-rounded citizens.

As we maneuver through this challenging landscape in the coming months, our goal will be to provide a welcoming learning climate where all students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to be successful.

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 25, 2023

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Each year, many of our students spend time researching a topic of choice in their respective disciplines with a year-end goal to showcase their successful work.

We host three research events on campus that highlight our students’ research projects.

This year’s events, which are free and open to the public, take place later this week.

April 27

The 27th Annual McQueary College of Health and Human Services Student Research Symposium will be held from 3-5 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom. This symposium is open to all graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in programs within MCHHS. The purpose of this symposium is to allow students to present scholarly projects they have been conducting during the past year.

April 28

Current College of Natural and Applied Sciences undergraduate students and December 2022 graduates will present posters for the CNAS Undergraduate Research Symposium. Viewing is open to campus and the public between 1:45-3:15 p.m. The awards ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Dr. Steven Senger, associate professor of mathematics.

30th Annual Frank Einhellig Graduate Interdisciplinary Forum

April 29

Missouri State prides itself on the extraordinary work of our graduate students, done with the mentorship of our faculty. Our dedicated students have been working on research and creative projects that push the boundaries of our knowledge.

The Frank Einhellig Graduate Interdisciplinary Forum (EIDF) is a celebration of graduate student achievements. We invite our campus and community to join us to offer encouragement and take part in the discussions our students have started.

  • Poster Presentations, 8-11:45 a.m., PSU Grand Ballroom.
  • Awards Ceremony, 12:15-1 p.m., PSU Theater.
  • May 6 at 10 a.m., EIDF Art Exhibitions – Springfield Art Museum. A brief awards ceremony will follow presentations.

Collaborative Diversity Conference

It’s not too late to register for the Collaborative Diversity Conference happening April 27-28 at the DoubleTree by Hilton on North Glenstone Avenue. This year’s theme is “Connecting Citizens and Fostering Community.”

You can register for the event on My Learning Connection (MLC) using your noncredit fee waiver or budget transfer. Go to the event calendar on MLC, select the April calendar and filter for “Collaborative Diversity Conference.” You’ll see the various registration/payment options that are available.

The event includes several engaging panels and is capped by the Inclusive Excellence Fund Gala on the evening of April 28. Dr. Amy Blansit, kinesiology faculty member and Drew Lewis Foundation founder and CEO, is the featured speaker at the gala.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif

Clif’s Notes for April 4, 2023

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The Collaborative Diversity Conference (CDC) will be held April 27-28 at the DoubleTree Hotel on North Glenstone Avenue. This year’s theme is “Connecting Citizens and Fostering Community.”

Missouri State University and the City of Springfield have been longtime partners in highlighting the significance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). This includes cultivating a community that recognizes the impact of establishing stronger links between community partners throughout the Ozarks region.

As always, you can register for the event on My Learning Connection (MLC) using your noncredit fee waiver or budget transfer. Go to the event calendar on MLC, select the April calendar and filter for “Collaborative Diversity Conference.” You’ll see the various registration/payment options that are available.

The event includes several engaging sessions and is capped by the Inclusive Excellence Fund Gala on Friday evening. The gala’s featured speaker is Dr. Amy Blansit, kinesiology faculty member and Drew Lewis Foundation founder and CEO.

The panels and roundtables

Panels

  • Are we there yet? The struggle to recalibrate and rebrand DEI (Thursday).
  • Sista docs: Experiences of women of color in the academy (Thursday).
  • Interfaith inclusion (Friday).
  • A day in the life: Mothers raising diverse children in Springfield (Friday).
  • Integrating diverse community resources to address sexual violence (Friday).
  • Women empowerment: Blueprint for success (Friday).

Roundtables

  • Supporting DEI leaders in the state of Missouri and beyond (Thursday).
  • Redefining a sense of belonging (Thursday).
  • Unpacking the law: Exploring SB410, the “Do No Harm Act” (Friday).
  • Unpacking the law part two: Exploring SB410, the “Do No Harm Act” (Friday).

I’ll be attending the daytime sessions of this signature event. I hope to see you there.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif