REGENTS PONDER BUDGET, GENDER EQUITY

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents today will consider approving a $55.4 million operating budget for the school for the 1995 fiscal year.

The regents convene at 9:30 a.m. in the University Center Ballroom.

The budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 is almost $3 million higher than the current year's budget, said Art Wallhausen, assistant to the president at Southeast.

Wallhausen said Tuesday that the increase primarily reflects a hike in state funding. For the coming fiscal year Southeast will receive $33.6 million in state funding for general operations compared to $30.8 million last year.

"A substantial portion of the state increase is one-time funds and earmarked funds for such purposes as operating the Bootheel Education Center," said Wallhausen.

Salaries and benefits for the coming year are projected at $38.6 million, which includes merit or performance-based pay. Another $1.07 million will pay students who work on campus.

In addition to the operating budget, another $13.17 million is budgeted for auxiliary operations, which include the University Center, residence halls, textbook services and the on-campus telephone system.

In other business, the regents will consider approving the first phase of a plan to promote gender equity in athletics.

"What they are being asked to do is make a commitment for the first phase, which is a three-year commitment," said Wallhausen.

The gender equity issue is one facing all colleges, he said. "The Bush administration didn't push it; the Clinton administration is pushing it," he said. "So all institutions are more aware that if they are not in compliance, that they need to move toward compliance," said Wallhausen.

Dennis Jones of the Denver-based National Center for Higher Education Management Systems will address the board on strategic planning. The university is planning to develop a strategic plan with the aid of the consulting firm.

Other items on the agenda include consideration of a tentative schedule of major capital projects. The list includes construction of the $12.34 million College of Business building, which is contingent upon passage of a $250 million bond issue that will be decided by Missouri voters Aug. 2.