University of Central Oklahoma
THURSDAY June 29, 1995
The Student Voice Since 1903
Tentative budget released for 95-96 By Joy McNutt Staff Writer
The proposed UCO 1995-96 budget, was unanimously approved by the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges on June 23. "The biggest news in our new budget is what we've been able to do with salaries," UCO president George Nigh said. Faculty and staff pay raises averaging 5.3 percent depend on the State Regents' approval of proposed tuition increases. Full-time staff will receive 4 percent across-the-board or a minimum of $900 raise. Faculty will receive 4 percent plus their regular promotion and experience raises. Summer pay will
"The biggest news in our new budget is what we've been able to do with salaries." —George Nigh UCO president
increase 5 percent. Nigh said the new budget is designed to be less dependent on reserve funds. In a move toward self-sufficiency or cash flow, Nigh said the new budget shows an effort to encourage revenue producing strategies to offset costs. For example, the new budget shows a decline in research funding, from $757,000 fiscal year 1994-95 to $476,000. Nigh said UCO wants research; however, he is asking
faculty to apply for research grants which can be applied to operating expenses. Dr. George P. Avellano, dean of graduate college, said faculty who want release time for research are encouraged to apply for grants which pay for that. Research grants can pay for release time, equipment and materials, student wages and graduate assistantships depending on the grant. Some also pay for indirect costs involving the administration of the grant,
Policies concerning student activity fees often misunderstood By Paisley Krout
Staff Writer More than $1 million in student activities were collected during the 94-95 fiscal year at UCO. Many students wonder or complain about how these fees are spent. Some say that more scholarships should be given from these fees, when in fact, approximately $400,000 of student activities fees support student scholarships. Many student organizations continue to fundraise and new organizations struggle simply because they are uninformed of the funding process.
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"Most students don't realize how to get what is available. It is very important to be informed and understand the process associated with student fees," said Ben Harris, president of the President's Leadership Council. "There's no reason for groups to fundraise. Students just have to be informed how to get what their organizations need." The Student Activity Fee Advisory Team, which makes recommendations to President George Nigh on the dispersion of student activity fees, has changed their annual meeting date from the spring to the fall.
V See
FEES, Page 6
LIBERTYFEST
Edmond celebrates its 24th annual Libertyfest with a parade, games and shows. There's much to do for everyone. See details inside.
$1,600,000
Avellano said. "The more indirect money we can get in, the more we have to pay for the position of director of faculty research," Avellano said. Moving toward self-sufficiency, Outreach Continuing Education is expected to pay for its administration and instruction costs with expected revenue earned of $500,000. Some public services will be cut to improve cash flow. High school driver education will no longer be offered after
July 15 because the Edmond Board of Education was unable to pay for the use of the facility to make it self-sufficient, Nigh said. However, the rehabilitative driving courses will remain and be enhanced and enlarged, underwritten by the State Department of Rehabilitative Services. Nigh said he expects fall enrollment to be down slightly due to the inconvenience of getting around campus during the construction activity. Still, weekend enrollment is increasing, Nigh said, predicting that in three or four years it will reach 3,000 to 4,000 students. Fall 1995 evening enrollment is
V See
BUDGET, Page 6
Estimated Balance 1994:
The estimated balance of 1994 and estimated income of 1995 are intended to exceed the estimated expenditures of 1995. (Staff illustration by Jonathan Koelsch)
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SPORTS
The UCO football team will be playing on a new grass field this fall since workers have finished laying sod at Wantland Stadium.
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The Vista's John Clanton tells us what's hot to do for the weekend. Find out the latest in art and entertainment in Around Town