Tuesday, August 30, 2011 twitter.com/@msureporter
facebook.com /msureporter
Minnesota State University, Mankato
www.themsureporter.com
WEDNESDAY
H 834 • L 71
THURSDAY
H 90 • L 70
• photo by wale agboola , illustration by nick spaeth
Students concerned with MSU budget and construction projects MEGAN KADLEC
news editor
As students settle back into school, they are sure to notice the new additions to the Minnesota State University: Mankato campus. A new hangout area in Armstrong Hall, a new study area in the second floor of the Centennial Student Union, a new sign on the corner of Stadium Road and Ellis Ave. and the construction of a new dormitory are only a few examples of the many construction projects that have occurred over the summer, or will be continuing into the winter months. With all of the budget cuts occurring across the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
inside: inside:
Voices.......................... 4 A&E...........................7 Voices................................6 Study Break......................6
Sports. 9 World &......................... Nation.................8 Sports..............................13 Arts/Entertainment.......17
system, students are raising questions about where the funds for all these new construction projects are coming from. Renovation project funding comes through a variety of different sources, and often times, for legal reasons those funds can only be spent on certain projects. Larger renovations, like the construction of the new residential hall, are generally funded through bonds given to the school for a specific project. Many of the other smaller renovations are made using one-time money the university was given or through Restoration and Renovation funds. R&R funds are awarded to particular budgets throughout campus.
For example, the media station on the second floor of the Centennial Student Union was paid for with operating funds after the project was suggested by MSSA leadership and the union board. Every year, money is set aside to keep furnishings and equipment in the building up to date. The money spent on this project, and four others to begin in the next few weeks, was unable to be spent on anything else, including faculty salaries. The funds came from Student Union fees, and according to Minnesota law, those fees are restricted for maintenance of the CSU. “The University has several different pots of money and that money may come from
a variety of sources and be used for a variety of different reasons,” said Director of the CSU and Student Activities Laurie Woodward. “Those dollars can only be used for the maintenance, staffing and upkeep of the student union. The student union does not receive any tuition revenue, or general fund dollars from the state.” Though these construction projects seem frivolous to many students, the University strives to remain marketable. The campus must look good in addition to providing an affordable education. Unfortunately, MSU does not retain the ability or convenience of having a massive budget to move wherever it wishes. For
example, the university cannot move a specified amount of money from academic affairs to student affairs or decide to take the small surplus of one budget and combine it with the rollover budget from one department to create an adjunct position, or create a new project. Last year alone, Minnesota cut $8million from the MSU budget. While the school was forced to cut faculty and eliminate services, it also had to raise tuition rates. “It’s extremely hard to communicate the message, ‘Yes, we’re raising your tuition but trust us it could be worse,’” said MSSA Vice President Moriah Miles.
IS MSU READY FOR ITS SEASON OPENER ON THURSDAY? FIND OUT ON PAGE 7