Southeast Missouri State University may have to slash positions, scholarships if budget is cut

Southeast Missouri State University officials provided more specifics about the impact of potential budget cuts in a statement prepared for lawmakers this week.

If cuts reach as deep as 25 percent, the university would have to eliminate 38 positions, slash $2.6 million in scholarships, and put maintenance on hold. If worst came to worst, a cap would be placed on enrollment.

"Each of the possible responses to a reduction of this level would have a serious negative impact on the university's' ability to carry out its mission, on access to postsecondary education in the Southeast Missouri State University region and on the long-term economic development of communities in Southeast Missouri," University President Dr. Ken Dobbins wrote in a report requested by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.

Fearing a projected $342 million state budget shortfall this year — and potentially an even bigger shortfall next fiscal year — lawmakers asked each public institution or agency to summarize how they would be affected by cuts ranging from 15 percent to 25 percent.

For Southeast, that would translate to the university losing between $6.7 million to $11.1 million from its current general revenue operations appropriation of $44.6 million, Dobbins said in the report

The first budget to be cut would be maintenance, operations, and equipment. Planned technology upgrades would be put on hold.

Personnel would be next on the chopping block. Depending on the financial situation, between 24 and 41 staff positions would eliminated, along with up to 40 faculty members.

In 2002, when the university faced a similar budget crunch, a budget review committee reviewed academic programs with the fewest majors and eliminated degree programs in geosciences, geography and sociology. Faculty was reduced in five other areas.

Dobbins noted in the report that the university has already been running lean since then. He noted enrollment has increased by 1,900 students since the 2000 to 2001 school year but appropriations were $1.8 million higher then.

This year's cuts could also mean a reduction in scholarships, an increase in tuition, and a possible cap on enrollment, the report says.

Forums will begin next month to allow public input on potential cuts. Dates have not yet been set.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

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