FY14 Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Presidential Updates

Clif’s Notes Vol. 3, No. 1

July 2, 2013 by Clif Smart

In this issue of Clif’s Notes, I review the Governor’s action on the operating budget for fiscal year 2014 and its implications for Missouri State University.

Restrictions on budget announced

As you may have heard through media accounts, Governor Jay Nixon has found it necessary to restrict some of the fiscal year 2014 budget approved by the Missouri General Assembly during its recently completed session. The restrictions amount to about 4 percent for many state agencies, including higher education. The Governor has indicated he would plan to lift the restriction if his veto of House Bill 253 is sustained during the veto session in mid-September.

For more information about the restrictions and the reasons for them, I invite you to see the story on the governor’s website.

Impact on Missouri State

For Missouri State University, the restriction means there will be $3,141,979 less available in operating funds than we had planned for in the new budget, which began July 1.

(In case you were wondering, this is in addition to the 3 percent statutory withhold that is normal for each budget year, for which we plan every year.)

In addition, 100 percent of all new funding in the state’s budget is being restricted, including $1,325,000 for these programs:

Occupational therapy program in Springfield – $825,000
Health-related programs in West Plains – $500,000

That funding will be re-evaluated in September following the veto session.

Funding of salary increase

As you remember, the operating budget approved by our Board of Governors on June 21 was based on this funding. That includes the 2 percent across-the-board raise that goes into effect July 1. We are committed to funding the raise.

Should the funds not be released at all this fiscal year, we are prepared to use our one-time reserves to cover the expenses for this fiscal year. The Board of Governors agrees strongly with this approach. The fact that we have reserves available for this purpose is precisely the reason Missouri State — all of you — are to be commended for your frugal approach to the budget over the past 5-8 years. As you would suspect, we would then need to evaluate the budget and have a serious discussion about how to budget for fiscal year 2015.

Immediate actions

We are hopeful that the Governor will be in a position to lift the restriction after the veto session in mid-September. With that in mind, we will proceed into the new fiscal year as we had planned, including the salary increase, with the anticipation that the funding will be released.

In the meantime, for the next 75 days, we have determined we need to take the following actions:

Hiring
In advance of any searches for open positions, the search must be justified by the unit; be recommended by the provost, CFO or appropriate vice president; and then be approved by the president. We will evaluate those searches that are underway, as well as those searches that are recommended to begin.

Health program initiatives
We will proceed slowly and prudently with the health initiatives planned for the $1,325,000 in new funds approved by the legislature. We will continue our search for a director for the occupational therapy program, which is well underway. Beyond that, we will wait until after mid-September to proceed in implementing plans.

Travel
All travel requests will be carefully reviewed and should be moderated until mid-September.

Purchases/contracts
Any major purchases and contracts that can be delayed until after mid-September should be. Again, please consult your cost center head before proceeding with major purchases and contracts.

Salary adjustments
We will not consider any additional salary adjustments/changes beyond the across-the-board increase until Oct. 1.

Beyond this, I am asking all cost center heads to be prudent until we have a clearer picture of the budget for this fiscal year. It is important that we continue to operate and move forward; that is the balance we must achieve. This situation again reinforces just how important revenue from enrollment is to the future funding of the University.

Conclusion

I hope this update is helpful to you. As always, I will keep you informed on the budget as new information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

—Clif

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Clif’s Notes Vol. 2, No. 13

June 26, 2013 by Clif Smart

In this issue of Clif’s Notes, I review the actions taken at the June Board of Governors meeting regarding the budget and employee benefits, as well as describe a new center and the diversity climate study that is beginning.

Board of Governors meeting

The Board of Governors meeting was June 21, in Kansas City, with Governor Steve Bough serving as our host. We combined other events with the Board meeting. About 50 Kansas City-area donors, including alumnus and Kansas City Royals Owner David Glass, attended a donor event at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum the evening of June 20. Then, more than 400 alumni and friends attended Missouri State University Night at Kauffman Stadium, which began with a tailgate barbecue, following the Board meeting on June 21.

At the meetings on Friday, the Board took several actions that are highlighted below.

Operating budget for fiscal year 2014

The Board officially approved the operating budget for fiscal year 2014. There were no changes from what I have described in recent issues of Clif’s Notes.

The total budget is about $253 million, up about $5 million from last year. As we have discussed, it includes a 2 percent increase for full-time employees working here before April 1, 2013. It also includes additional state funding for the new occupational therapy program in Springfield and for expanding and upgrading health programs on the West Plains campus.

For more information, I refer you to the news release that came out Friday and to the full budget documents located on the financial services website.

Additional employee benefits

The Board approved two additional benefits for employees.

The additional two personal days for staff were approved. Those additional days will go into effect July 1.

A menu of other benefits for faculty and staff will be available before the end of calendar year 2013. While employees are responsible for paying for any desired voluntary benefits, we believe by providing these through one company, we can achieve cost savings and offer them conveniently for employees. There are still details to be finalized before the voluntary benefits can be made available, thus the delay until later this fall. For more information, please see the background materials provided to the Board.

International Leadership and Training Center

The Board approved establishing a new International Leadership and Training Center at Missouri State. In partnership with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the center will provide advanced non-credit training on a contract basis. It will build on other strengths, including the cultural competence component of the public affairs mission, the English Language Institute, the Foreign Language Institute, the Management Development Institute and the University’s active and growing array of international programs.

For more information, I invite you to read the news release and the background materials provided to the Board.

Update on discussion topics

The Board heard updates on two discussion topics: sustainability (from the December meeting) and West Plains academic programs (from the February meeting). We are making good progress on both topics, and I invite you to review the summary materials that were provided to the Board for the meeting.

Diversity climate study

Dr. Ken Coopwood, vice president for diversity and inclusion, reminded the Board members that we are beginning an 18-month project with DiversityWorks to complete a diversity climate study at Missouri State and in the Springfield community. That work begins this week with a visit by the team. The 18 months of work will result in a reusable survey instrument, a campus diversity plan and post-survey development programs and recommendations.

As you are aware, improving the diversity of our campus community remains a high priority for our Board of Governors. As the DiversityWorks team makes its visits and interviews a number of faculty, staff, administrators and students, I ask that you be available and assist in that process as much as you can. It is an important initiative for us, and I am confident that our campus will benefit greatly from our partnership with the DiversityWorks team.

Professor salary incentive program

While no formal approval was necessary, the Board members remain supportive of the new Full Professor Incentive Program. We will work on the details of that program this year and make the first awards effective July 1, 2014.

Provost Frank Einhellig has named a task force to make recommendations regarding procedures and guidelines for implementing this Full Professor Incentive Program. Those recommendations will be presented to Frank and me by mid-September.

The task force is being chaired by Chris Craig. The members are: Tami Arthaud (COE), James Baumlin (COAL), Jeffrey Cornelius-White (COE), Paul Durham (CNAS), Janice Greene (CNAS), Chris Herr (COAL), Katie Hope (CHHS), Victor Matthews (CHPA), D. Wayne Mitchell (CHHS), Carol Miller (COB), Steve Parker (COB), Adam Wanekaya (CNAS), Gary Webb (SAGR) and Mark Rushefsky (CHPA).

Summer school enrollment

At the meeting, we were able to inform the Board that our 2013 summer enrollment is 7,145, up 107 (1.5 percent) over last summer, and our credit hours stand at 32,599, up 249 (0.8 percent).

Some of the other highlights include:

First-time degree-seeking graduate students: 288, up 57 (24.7 percent)
First-time transfers: 159, up 11 (7.4 percent)
Total undergraduates: 5,127, down 73 (1.4 percent)
Total graduates: 2,018,up 180 (9.8 percent)
International students: 784, up 108 (16.0 percent)
Students taking a predominance of their courses online: 2,105, up 453 (27.4 percent)
Total credit hours by online or iCourse: 11,692, up 1,943 (19.9 percent) (These credit hours represent 35.9 percent of the total for summer 2013, up from 30.1 percent in summer 2012.)

Other key growth categories include:

Precollege (mostly students in the Missouri Fine Arts Academy and Missouri Innovation Academy): 182, up 57 (45.6 percent)
Executive Master of Business Administration: 171, up 66 (62.9 percent)
Master of Health Administration: 61, up 39 (177.3 percent)
English Language Institute: 215, up 60 (38.7 percent)

Conclusion

As the 2012-13 school year officially comes to a close, I again want to offer my sincere thanks for all you have done for Missouri State. I appreciate it very much, as does our Board of Governors. I am already excited to see just how much we accomplish together in 2013-14.

—Clif

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In late May, the Missouri State volleyball team traveled to Nicaragua. The trip combined exhibition matches, community service and tourism activities into a memorable team-building experience.

“The experiences we have had giving back so far are absolutely amazing. There are no adequate words. I feel so blessed and privileged to be working here with them! Thank you to everyone who supports Missouri State Volleyball and made this trip possible for us,” said Ashley Mason.

The Volleyball Bears lived out our public affairs mission by participating in a variety of service projects:

Helping students with their English at Barrio Planta, a supplementary school students attend during their spare time
Volunteering at Los Pipitos, an organization that advocates for children with disabilities
Working with the Biblioteca Publica Movil, Nicaragua’s first lending library

Olivia Brand described her experience with the Biblioteca Publica Movil: “I was amazed that something we take so much for granted, like a public library, could be such a gift and true blessing to these children and families. Not only does this library lend books, but they also have computers and set up community events that promote education and literacy in the community.”

The team also delivered sports gear and equipment to a local youth sports association and school supplies to local schools.

The Bears played the Nicaragua and Honduras national teams at locations throughout Nicaragua and finished their trip 8-0.

Clif’s Notes Vol. 2, No. 11

May 22, 2013 by Clif Smart

In this issue of Clif’s Notes, I review highlights from the May Board of Governors meeting, as well as the spring commencements.

Board of Governors meeting review

The budget for fiscal year 2014, the marketing discussion and a presentation from the Presidential Task Force on Online Education and Alternative Credit highlighted the Board of Governors meetings on Thursday, May 16.

Increased compensation

I am pleased to report that the Board of Governors unanimously and enthusiastically accepted our proposal for increasing compensation in the fiscal year 2014 budget recommendation. We will present the complete fiscal year 2014 budget to the Board for approval at the June 21 meeting in Kansas City. The budget goes into effect July 1.

You will remember that the compensation package calls for a 2 percent across-the-board raise for all full-time faculty and staff employed before April 1 for Springfield and West Plains operating funds; a 2 percent increase for graduate assistants; an adjustment to the pay ranges for staff; a required contribution increase from the University to MOSERS (state retirement system); and faculty promotions. Specific details may be found in the Clif’s Notes from May 15.

Full Professor Incentive Program (Professor Plus)

The Board also expressed its support for the Full Professor Incentive Program, which would provide additional pay for those at the rank of professor who have continued to perform at a high level by conducting great research, being great teachers and mentoring students. While this is a selective program, the goal is to provide the monetary increase to up to 100 professors who would be phased in over time. To be eligible to apply, a faculty member would have to be in the full professor rank for at least five years at Missouri State.

Therefore, this summer and fall, Provost Frank Einhellig will work with a committee to develop the criteria and application process. Applications will be accepted and reviewed in the spring of 2014. The first group of recipients would be funded for fiscal year 2015, beginning July 1, 2014. Our intent is to award at least 20 in the first year, with more possible depending on the budget.

Online task force

At its Programs and Planning Committee meeting, the Board heard a report from the Presidential Task Force on Online Education and Alternative Credit.

I urge you take some time to review the report and its recommendations. I think it is thoughtful and measured in its suggestions. In accordance with one recommendation, Frank and I will appoint a standing committee to monitor developments in online education and alternative credit so that Missouri State keeps pace with its competitors. More information on this topic will be forthcoming in the next two months.

Marketing discussion

The Board had a very productive 90-minute discussion on marketing Missouri State. I invite you to review the research presentation documents, if you haven’t already.

Three of the key findings shared by Amy Crosby, senior director with the research firm of Penn Schoen Berland (PSB), were:

Missouri State has a good reputation and gets high ratings from all audiences and, therefore, is operating from a position of strength.
Missouri State’s value (i.e., benefit for cost) is very important to our students and their families.
The two areas consistently identified for Missouri State to improve were in traditions and school spirit.

We must and will take a long-term view when it comes to improving our marketing. This presentation on the overall research was the first step. The next steps include the following:

PSB has also conducted research on each of the academic colleges. That research will be presented to the deans and others in June. During those sessions, additional information will be collected to assist in developing the marketing plan proposals.
Also this summer, PSB will complete its targeted research on underrepresented students, which will be presented to the campus.
Then in the fall, the marketing plans will be presented by Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (CJRW), PSB’s partner on this project. Our intent is to review those plans and implement any elements with existing staff.

Marketing will be a discussion topic again at the Board of Governors retreat on Aug. 1. And, I will keep you posted on this important project as it develops.

Spring commencement 2013

On Friday, May 17, 2,404 students graduated in three Springfield campus ceremonies in JQH Arena, with attendance averaging around 8,000 for each. On Saturday, May 18, the West Plains campus awarded another 277 degrees in a packed Civic Center. Those ceremonies are special for the graduates as well as the families and friends.

As we think about enhancing our traditions, I hope more faculty and staff will seriously consider attending the commencement ceremonies. It is important to the graduates and it sends a very positive message to all in attendance. Plus, it is just one of those signature events that remind us of why we work in higher education.

The next two opportunities are coming up. The first is the summer commencement on Friday, Aug. 2. The second is the New Student Convocation Sunday, Aug. 18, where we will welcome new students and their families, and award the Honorary Doctorate Degree to Missouri State alumnus and actor John Goodman. I hope you will put both events on your calendar.

Conclusion

I commend you for another very good year at Missouri State. I hope you have a chance to get a break this summer. I know I will see many of you when summer school begins June 10. Please watch for additional issues of Clif’s Notes as we keep you posted on developments this summer. Thank you.

—Clif

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Saturday at its commencement ceremony, Missouri State University-West Plains presented an Honorary Associate of Arts degree to a very special woman and mother: Couch resident Edith Williams, who devoted a dozen years of her life helping her daughter achieve a college education.

“Edith Williams’ unselfish dedication to her daughter’s education shows the value she places on higher education,” said Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett. “Her dedication enabled her daughter to become the first in her family to receive a college education. She is truly an exemplary role model for other parents and students. Because of her extraordinary commitment to higher education, we are honored to confer this degree upon her.”

Ms. Williams, a 1964 graduate of Ellsinore High School, never had the opportunity to go to college herself. But, she made sure her daughter, Jennifer, did, despite the debilitating injuries Jennifer suffered in a 1997 automobile accident that left her wheelchair bound.

When Jennifer decided in fall 2001 that she wanted to go to college, Ms. Williams was by her side, driving her daughter the 100 miles round trip from their home to West Plains several times a week so Jennifer could attend classes. While Jennifer was in class, Ms. Williams spent her time reading, visiting with faculty and other students, and helping other students any way she could.

By taking just a few classes each semester, Jennifer, with the support of her mother, completed her Associate of Arts in General Studies degree in 2006.

She then enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in General Business degree program offered through Missouri State University’s Outreach Program on the West Plains campus.

Because of her mother valuing higher education – and with her mother’s constant support and assistance – Jennifer was able to accomplish her goal of completing a bachelor’s degree, which she received during Saturday’s commencement ceremony.

What an incredibly inspiring story of a mother’s love for and devotion to her daughter.

(For more information, see Steve Pokin’s story in the May 19 issue of the Springfield News-Leader.)

Clif’s Notes Vol. 2, No. 10

May 15, 2013 by Clif Smart

In this issue of Clif’s Notes, I provide an update on the budget recommendation for fiscal year 2014, including an across-the-board raise and the full professor incentive program, and announce an initiative we hope will allow employees to volunteer more in the community.

Budget recommendation for fiscal year 2014

Tomorrow (May 16) at the Board of Governors Finance and Facilities Committee meeting, we will have our first discussion of the operating budget for fiscal year 2014. We will seek input from the Board and then ask for final approval at the June Board meeting for the budget that begins July 1.

In summary, for the first time in five years, we will see an increase in state appropriations. We also have excess revenue because of our enrollment, which exceeded expectations, and our modest tuition and fee increase. These two factors will allow us to make a significant investment in increasing the compensation package for faculty and staff for fiscal year 2014. The key elements of my presentation to the Board follow.

Increases in Operating Revenue


$1,747,000	Expected increased revenue from increased enrollment and tuition/fee increases, net after scholarships and fee waiver increases
2,384,000	Increase in state appropriations ($2,457,827 less standard 3 percent holdback) — please note that the governor must still sign the budget into law
$4,131,000	Total

Increases in Operating Expenses


$800,000	Expected approximate increases in utilities, rent for Brick City and other expenses
3,517,000	Employee compensation approximate increases for Springfield and West Plains operating funds
(186,000)	Less net cost reductions
$4,131,000	Total

Compensation Recommendation

This is what I will recommend to the Board for increasing compensation:


$2,353,000	2 percent across-the-board raise (with fringe benefits) beginning July 1, 2013 for all full-time faculty and staff employed before April 1 for Springfield and West Plains operating funds — also includes 2 percent increase for graduate assistants
865,000	Required contribution increase from the University to MOSERS (state retirement system) net of anticipated cost saving from our new health care contract
299,000	Faculty promotions
$3,517,000	Total

As part of the compensation plan, pay ranges for staff will be adjusted by 1 percent effective July 1, 2013. This adjustment is consistent with our policy to annually adjust ranges pursuant to changes in the Employer Cost Index. Those employees paid below the bottom of the new ranges will receive an adjustment to bring them to the minimum of their range prior to the 2 percent salary increase being applied.

This means that 100 percent of the increase in state appropriations, plus a major portion of the increase from tuition and fees (more than 85% of new money), will be invested in our faculty, staff and graduate assistants. This also means that with the mid-year raise and this 2 percent raise on July 1, we will have increased salaries by 4 percent during this calendar year. Those are actions we can feel good about.

Full Professor Incentive Program (Professor Plus)

In addition, Provost Frank Einhellig and I will recommend to the Board implementation of the Full Professor Incentive Program, which would provide an additional pay for those at the rank of professor who have continued to perform at a high level by conducting great research, being great teachers and mentoring students. While this is a selective program, the goal is to provide the monetary increase to up to 100 professors who would be phased in over time. To be eligible to apply, a faculty member would have to be in the full professor rank for at least five years at Missouri State.

This summer and fall, Frank will work with a committee to develop the criteria and application process. Applications will be accepted and reviewed in the spring of 2014. The first group of recipients would be funded for fiscal year 2015, beginning July 1, 2014. Our intent is to award at least 20, with more possible depending on the budget.

We believe this program is a good one and addresses the rank where we lag behind the most when it comes to national comparisons.

Special funding for health programs

In addition to the core operating budget, the legislature included $1,325,000 in on-going funds to support health programs on both the Springfield and West Plains campuses.

Of the total, $500,000 has been identified to expand and improve the health programs on the West Plains campus. These include nursing, respiratory care, health management, medical coding, and other programs.

The $825,000 for the Springfield campus will support the new occupational therapy program. The first year or two of funding will be used for start-up costs, especially for much-needed health classrooms and labs. We plan to hire a director in the near future and then be ready to enroll the first OT class no later than the fall of 2015.

Extra personal days

Over the past year or so, several staff members have asked if there is a way to make it easier for them to volunteer in the community, for their children’s school, and for other worthwhile causes. In response, we will soon announce that we have increased the personal leave days from the current one per year to three per year.

You will recall that personal leave days may be used for any purpose, but they are counted as sick leave days and are deducted from the employee’s sick leave balance. In order to use the personal days, you must have sick leave remaining. As you know, each full-time staff member earns 12 sick leave days per year, one each month. Effective with this change, personal day usage may be taken in four-hour increments.

This will give staff members the ability to use these two additional days to increase their community service and help Springfield become an even better place to live and work. One of the best ways to volunteer is on Days of Caring sponsored by the United Way.

Conclusion

We are in finals week and the last days of the academic year. Over the next few weeks, I will distribute additional issues of Clif’s Notes to keep you updated as we move into a busy summer. Thank you for all you do for Missouri State. See you at the commencement ceremonies.

—Clif

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I was honored to be included in the Faculty Recognition Reception on May 6. It is inspiring to hear about the good work our faculty do throughout the year. Provost Frank Einhellig will include all of the honorees in an upcoming issue of the Provost Communiqué, including the full list of publications, grant proposals and retirees. I invite you to spend some time reviewing the full list. To whet your appetite, let me highlight these awards:

Missouri State University Foundation Awards for Service

Carmen Boyd, biomedical science

Douglas Gouzie, geography, geology and planning

Missouri State University Foundation Awards for Research

Sheryl Brahnam, computer information systems

Kevin Mickus, geography, geology and planning

Missouri State University Foundation Awards for Teaching

Denise Cunningham, childhood education and family studies

Michael A. Murray, music

2013-14 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

Michael A. Murray, music

Master Online Course Recognition Award for Course Design, Interaction and Collaboration, Assessment and Course Technology and Media Value

Stanley Leasure, finance and general business, BUS/LAW 550/650, Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration in Business

Master Online Course Recognition Merit Award for Interaction and Collaboration

Shannon Wooden, english, ENG 200, Introduction to Literature

Master Online Course Recognition Merit Award for Course Technology and Media Value

Lora Hobbs, religious studies, REL 100, Introduction to Religion

Recognition Award for Excellence in Thesis Mentoring

Brian Greene, biology

Outstanding Graduate Student Mentoring Award

Day Ligon, biology

Provost Fellow for Public Affairs

Gilbert Brown, counseling, leadership and special education

Excellence in Community Service Award

Wafaa Kaf, communication sciences and disorders

Clif’s Notes Vol. 2, No. 9

April 16, 2013 by Clif Smart

In this issue of Clif’s Notes, I provide an update on the legislative session, announce the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame, share information on the Higher Learning Commission and provide information about a new pricing structure for Lady Bear tickets.

Update from Jefferson City

There is about a month left in the 2013 session of the Missouri General Assembly. I wanted to give you an update on the status of the operating budget and other issues in Jefferson City.

Operating budget

As you recall, for fiscal year 2014, the Governor recommended $34 million in additional funding for higher education allocated based on success in achieving the five performance measures. For Missouri State, that amounted to an increase of about 4.3 percent or $3,335,974, for a total state appropriation of $81,885,437.

In the House version of the budget, the increase was reduced to $20 million and it was allocated “across-the-board” at slightly more than 2 percent for an increase of $1,795,498 for Missouri State and a total state appropriation of $80,344,961.

The Senate Appropriations Committee has adopted the Governor’s recommendation on the operating budget. That version should go to the Senate floor in the near future.

As is the case every year, there will be a conference committee to discuss the differences and come to a final recommendation for both the House and Senate to finally approve. If there is an increase in our appropriations, our commitment is to use most of the additional money to improve the compensation for our faculty and staff.

Additional funding

The Senate Appropriations Committee added in two additional funding pieces that affect Missouri State.

First, $1,325,000 in on-going funding was added to support the new Occupational Therapy program on the Springfield campus ($825,000), as well as expansion and improvement of various health programs on the West Plains campus ($500,000).

Second, $150,000 was added for Missouri State-West Plains and Three Rivers Community College to provide an “education training center” in Willow Springs. The two institutions are working with the City of Willow Springs and the Missouri Department of Higher Education to develop a plan to provide both general education (West Plains) and technical programs (Three Rivers) to that community.

Again, both of these items would go to the conference committee since they are only in the Senate version of the budget.

Bonding for capital projects

It has been more than a dozen years since there was a statewide capital funding appropriation for higher education. Because of that, along with the current low interest rates and other factors, there has been significant discussion about bonding capital projects. That discussion continues, but there is not agreement on the total amount, the process or if it should focus on new construction or maintenance and repair. We continue to be involved in these discussions, and we are hopeful there will be some funding support for capital projects.

Other legislation

We are tracking a number of other pieces of legislation, from the higher education funding formula, to allowing weapons on campus, to additional benefits for military veterans and more. We also are monitoring tax credit reform, income tax reductions and the discussion on Medicaid expansion since all of these could impact the general revenue of the State and ultimately impact higher education.

The 2013 session of the Missouri General Assembly concludes on Friday, May 17. I will continue to update you on significant developments.

Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame

The ninth annual Public Affairs Conference was another great success. I congratulate Dr. Gilbert Brown, conference chair, and his team for highlighting Inclusive Excellence as the theme. I hope you were able to attend several of the events.

At the Conference, we announced that Missouri State has created the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame. This will be a signature event and yet another step in both the maturing of the statewide mission and expanding the understanding of the mission statewide. I invite you to learn more about the award and consider nominating a deserving individual. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 31, with the inaugural class to be inducted in the spring of 2014.

Finally, the Distinction in Public Affairs Student Presentations this year were outstanding. We have featured some of those below in the Telling our Story section.

Higher Learning Commission update

We continue to prepare for the Higher Learning Commission accreditation, with our report due in the spring of 2015 and the site team visit to campus in the fall of 2015.

Toward that end, several of us attended the annual meeting of the Higher Learning Commission in Chicago April 5-9. Those attending from Missouri State University included Frank Einhellig, Steve Foucart, Joye Norris, Don Simpson, Lynn Cline, Keri Franklin, Tammy Jahnke and me. It was a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about the newly adopted criteria for accreditation along with the new open pathway.

Frank and Tammy made the presentation “Program Review: Policy, Review Cycle and Assessment of the Process – Lessons Learned,” which covered the Missouri State academic program review process from 2000 to the present. Review the information in the presentation.

Mission statement

The first criteria for accreditation is: “The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.” Our mission is clearly documented in all publications including catalogs and on our website, and I continue to be impressed by the number of students, faculty and staff who can recite most or all of it. It is:

Missouri State University is a public, comprehensive metropolitan system with a statewide mission in public affairs, whose purpose is to develop educated persons. The University’s identity is distinguished by its public affairs mission, which entails a campus-wide commitment to foster expertise and responsibility in ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement.

Sometimes, I shorten the mission statement to this:

Our goal is to develop educated persons. Our mission is public affairs.

Regardless of which you use, it is important for lots of reasons, including the HLC accreditation, that the mission is widely known and understood. It also will be important that we show that it guides our operations.

Tasks completed

Missouri State’s Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Steering Committee has accomplished three specific tasks during this past academic year. It has started to identify evidence that shows that Missouri State meets the HLC assumed practices, the HLC criteria and the concerns noted in the 2006 team report from HLC. Drafts of each of these works in progress are posted on the committee’s website.

As the Steering Committee has been working on this, the Assessment Council and assessment director have been working on Missouri State University’s Quality Improvement Project (QIP). This project will be collecting evidence of student learning as it relates to our public affairs mission. The results of this evaluation along with an assessment of the process will be available early in fall of 2013. Starting in fall of 2013, the Steering Committee will be completing the list of evidence.

New leader for Lady Bears

On April 10, we announced that Kellie Harper would be the new Lady Bears basketball coach. Kellie comes with great credentials, both on and off the court as you can see from the news release. We expect great things from her and her team in the coming years. I hope you soon will have a chance to meet and welcome Kellie and her husband, Jon.

In conjunction, we are reinventing the ticket pricing for Lady Bears games. There will be plenty of publicity on this in the coming weeks, but I wanted you to know that we have drastically reduced the price of season tickets in the lower bowl of JQH Arena. The vast majority of the lower level season seats will be $120 without a seat assessment. With the half-price faculty and staff discount, that means you can see 18 home Lady Bears games next year for $60. If you want to sit in the end zone, your price will be $40 (half of $80).

I ask that you take a serious look at purchasing a season ticket. Athletics can be another rallying point for our campus as we have seen during the March Madness at all levels in both men’s and women’s tournaments. It is another piece of making Missouri State the kind of institution we want it to be. Given that, I would ask that you support the student-athletes who compete for the Lady Bears and all of our teams. They deserve our support. Thanks for your consideration.

Conclusion

The clock is ticking on this semester. We have about a month to go and lots to accomplish in those four weeks. As always, I hope all of us can finish strong so we feel good about our accomplishments for 2012-13. Thanks for all you do.

—Clif

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The Public Affairs Conference kicked off Tuesday, April 9, with presentations from some of our own — a group of 46 civic-minded undergraduate students to be exact.

These presentations were part of the students’ year-long involvement in the Distinction in Public Affairs program. Asked to identify and research a solution to a social issue on our campus or in the Springfield community, the groups put our public affairs mission to good work. The presentations included:

Stepping Outside the Zone shared students’ perspectives on what it’s like to step out of their zone.
Autism Speaks, Missouri State Still Listens* focused on raising autism awareness on campus by contributing to the Light It Up Blue campaign.
Filling in Nutritional Gaps sought to better the health and nutrition of homeless youth by educating them about eating healthy on a budget.
Putting our Best Foot Forward raised money for Isabel’s House Crisis Nursery by setting up an informational booth outside a local Wal-Mart. They also developed a great brochure for the organization.
Try This, Not That: Missouri State Style integrated health and nutrition resources on campus and in the community into an interactive program to address the dreaded MSU 22.
Eyes Open: Suicide Prevention in College developed a powerful suicide awareness video for college students. I encourage you to take a moment and watch it.
What’s Good MSU? A Positive Spin on Anonymous Twitter Accounts explored how the effect of positive communication on social media can change a student’s view of campus life. You can follow their efforts on Twitter.

Review the complete list of the students and presentations.

Public affairs as expressed by students

It was inspiring to hear how our students are integrating the public affairs mission into their lives as students and as citizens of our community. I’ll leave you with some of their thoughts on the experience:

“I feel so much more connected to Missouri State and all it has to offer. This experience makes me proud to be a Bear and connected to our public affairs mission.” – Chelsey Stepp, media production major, What’s Good MSU?

“One of the greatest parts of our project was the strong response we received from the Greek community at Missouri State… Their hard work was such an important aspect of our project, and with their help, we were able to share our message about autism awareness to over 55,000 people.” – Ashley Bennington, marketing major, Autism Speaks

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