Purdue News

September 4, 1998 Purdue asks state for economic development help WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue's Board of Trustees today (Friday, 9/4) ratified a budget proposal that asks the Indiana General Assembly to help the university promote economic development and respond to the growing demands of computer technology. To meet those challenges, the trustees put forward a biennial legislative request that calls on the state to invest $21 million in quality improvements in both fiscal 1999 and 2000. The action today ratified a plan that the board approved in principle at its May 29 meeting. "Every one of these items strikes at the heart of the critical needs for the state of Indiana," said President Steven C. Beering. "As the state's land-grant university, Purdue takes seriously the call to promote economic development and outreach support for K-through-12 schools and Indiana businesses." The quality improvements are part of the overall request for state funds for all Purdue campuses. Purdue, which this year will receive $290.8 million from the state, is requesting $333 million for fiscal year 1999 and $361.8 million for 2000. The state funds about 30 percent of the university's overall operating budget, which this year is $982.9 million. "If our state lawmakers meet this request, Purdue will be able to minimize the increase in student fees -- already among the lowest in the state -- for the next two years," said Kenneth P. Burns, executive vice president and treasurer. The quality improvements for 1999 include: $10.1 million to maintain and upgrade computing facilities, equipment, networks and personnel. $8.1 million for academic programs to meet the needs of Indiana businesses, industry and government by providing technical assistance and graduating more computer and information technology majors. The funding also would help expand the School of Technology Statewide Delivery System in Anderson, Richmond, South Bend/Elkhart and Versailles. The technology program provides classes to help develop the regional work forces in 12 communities around the state. $2.8 million to offset federal cutbacks in the Cooperative Extension Service and to maintain it at its current level in every Indiana county. In addition to the $21 million for quality improvements in 1999, the university is asking the state to help pay for another $8.6 million for routine adjustments, such as those generated by increased enrollment; $3.8 million more for a 3 percent increase in supply and expense costs; and $16.4 million more for a 4 percent increase in the salary budget. "The salary increase component of the budget is critical as we continue to recognize merit contributions of faculty and staff while simultaneously making great efforts to retain and recruit the highest quality faculty in this very competitive marketplace," said Robert L. Ringel, executive vice president for academic affairs. Student fees would make up the difference between the total spending plan and the portion that the state funds. The plan also assumes that the General Assembly will make permanent its investment in technology for all Indiana universities and colleges. Last year, the state gave Purdue $9.3 million in nonrecurring funds from this pool. In addition to requesting money for day-to-day operations, Purdue and other state-assisted universities annually submit prioritized requests for state money for construction and other capital items. Purdue's trustees in May agreed to ask for an additional $51.4 million for capital improvements, including construction of a new center for visual and performing arts. The request includes: $21 million to extend the life of a boiler, replace a chiller and make other improvements to the utility plant on the West Lafayette campus. Work would begin in fall 1999 and be completed in 2001. $24 million toward building the classroom portion of the new center for visual and performing arts on the south side of the campus at Marsteller and Wood streets. The Department of Visual and Performing Arts currently is housed in structures built as World War II barracks. The rest of the arts center project would be funded by private donations and would include a theater, art galleries and space for the Purdue Musical Organizations, the Office of Convocations and Lectures, and the WBAA radio stations. Work on the state-funded portion would start in early 2000, with completion two years later. $6.4 million to complete the third floor of the Technology Building constructed at Purdue North Central in 1994. The new space would be assigned to the nursing and English departments and would include two general academic classrooms. Relocating these departments would free space in the Library Student-Faculty Building, which would be renovated with the addition of two student lounges, game rooms, a fitness center and student activities office. The kitchen and dining areas would be expanded, as would the bookstore activities. In addition, space would be renovated for three additional classrooms. Work would begin in early 2000 and be completed by fall 2001. In addition, the trustees approved a request for major repair and rehabilitation funding of $27.3 million for academic and administrative buildings on Purdue's four campuses. Sources: Kenneth Burns, (765) 494-9705; e-mail: kpburns@purdue.edu Wayne Kjonaas, vice president for physical facilities, (765) 494-8000; e-mail: wwkjonaas@physfac.purdue.edu Writer: Jeanne V. Norberg, ( 765) 494-2084; e-mail: jeanne_norberg@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page