IBHE recommends 0.9 percent increase in higher ed appropriations for FY06

By Tom Cronin - Public Affairs Reporter

   The higher education system in Illinois could receive an additional $19.4 million in basic operational funds and grants from the state’s general fund next year – an increase of 0.9 percent over this year’s higher education budget – if Gov. Rod Blagojevich and state legislators approve the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s budget recommendations for fiscal year 2006.
      At a meeting held on Feb. 1 at UIS, the board voted unanimously to recommend a $2.43 billion fiscal year 2006 higher education budget, which would be $281.5 million, or 13.1 percent, higher than the budget for this fiscal year. The recommended increase is based on the funding needs of the state’s public universities, community colleges, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the State Universities Retirement System and other areas of higher education.
      Dan Layzell, IBHE deputy director of planning and budgeting, said that $262 million of the overall increase for fiscal year 2006 has been earmarked for the State Universities Retirement System. Without the funding for the retirement system, he said, the recommended state support for higher education operations and grants for fiscal year 2006 totals $2.12 billion, which would be $19.4 million higher than this year’s amount.
      According to IBHE Chairman James Kaplan, the board’s recommendations call for modest funding increases to areas of higher education that board members have identified as priorities. Among these areas are maintaining affordability and accessibility, providing financial support for students demonstrating financial need, and retaining and recruiting quality faculty and staff at the state’s public universities, he said.
      Layzell described the board’s request as “modest and reasonable,” but he said that the board needed to recommend some cuts to areas that deserved to be considered for more funding to make sure enough money was allocated to the areas of highest priority.
The board recommended reallocating $29.9 million to increase funding in areas such as the Monetary Award Program, the state’s public universities and the community college system. According to Layzell, the areas that would see cuts under the board’s recommendations include community college restrictive grants, ISAC administrative services, ISAC Merit Recognition Scholarships and several grant programs administered by the IBHE.
      “When we put together a budget recommendation, we look outward in terms of what the state’s financial picture is likely to be,” Layzell said. “You have to take reality into consideration when you’re putting these recommendations together because I think in the long run, when you put together a set of recommendations, they’re more likely to be considered favorably when they get to the General Assembly and the governor’s office.”
      Last year, the IBHE recommended that the state fund higher education at the same level this year, fiscal year 2005, as last fiscal year. After Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones proposed to cut higher education by as much as 4.25 percent, state leaders ultimately decided that higher education would receive level funding for fiscal year 2005.
      UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen said last August that presidents and chancellors representing every public institution in Illinois came together for the first time last spring to sign a letter supporting the IBHE’s “realistic” request. According to Ringeisen, several legislators said that the letter played an important role in their budget decision.
      This fiscal year, the state appropriated $697 million in general operational and grant funding to the UI system, of which $21.2 million went to UIS. The IBHE’s recommendations for next fiscal year would raise UI appropriation levels to $704 million, an increase of 1 percent over the current fiscal year. The university’s request to the board was $769 million, which would have amounted to a 10.3 percent increase.
      The level of general operational and grant funding appropriated to UIS under the IBHE’s recommendations for next fiscal year would be $21.6 million, an increase of 1.5 percent over this fiscal year. The university requested $25.1 million in general funds for UIS, which would have increased funding by18.6 percent.
      Overall, the IBHE’s recommended increases in general operational and grant funding for the state’s public universities amount to $14.7 million, or 1.1 percent.
The board recommended $350 million in higher education capital improvements for fiscal year 2006, including $40 million for capital renewal projects. Of the amount proposed for capital renewal, $27.9 million would be used for projects at the state’s public universities, including $458,200 for remodeling projects at UIS.
      In terms of general funds appropriations, state support for higher education has declined by $348 million, or 13.9 percent, since fiscal year 2003. In this time, annual tuition costs have increased by an average of $1,188, or 23.6 percent, for continuing students at Illinois’ public universities.
      “It’s becoming increasingly clear that K-12 … has hijacked the whole discussion and attention regarding education issues and, as importantly, the flow of dollars,” IBHE Executive Director Tom Lamont said. “We all collectively have to do a better job of informing the public and our government leaders of higher education’s role in the K-12 process and what K-16 is all about. We need to do this if we are truly going to have a place at the appropriations negotiating table.”

By Jason Satek - SGA/General Assignment Reporter

  The Student Government Association met early Sunday morning in accommodation of a busy sporting weekend highlighted by a home game of the undefeated Illini Men’s basketball team and Super Bowl XXXIX.
      The meeting came to order, pledged allegiance to the flag, and achieved a voting quorum with nine members present.
      Under Standing Committee reports, President Tyson Roan spoke about meeting he had had to gauge possible participation in a “Vintage Hollywood” fundraising event for the Sangamon Auditorium on April 16th. It was pointed out that this date overlapped with Spring Fest, and that members might have other plans or be otherwise committed. Roan then made the offer that anyone interested in the opportunity could contact him privately.
      Vice President Carrie Bauer gave a report on the Student Activities Committee, and the meeting turned to the new by-laws of the recently approved SGA constitution. Sergeant At Arms Dan Kovats stated that he was in the midst of writing the by-laws, and while he would not be bringing them forward for a vote, he would welcome input regarding their form.
      Among the major points mentioned were that most official duties of the SGA officers listed in the constitution would be taken from there and be resituated in the by-laws, that under the next government the Sgt. At Arms position would be appointed by the President and not elected as he himself had been, and that the Sgt. At Arms would have final say in regards to constitutional issues, but would be able to be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote of those members in attendance of the meeting.
      Also mentioned in the constitutional discussion were the current makeup and future activities of SAC and Inter Club Council Board, committee responsibilities of the representatives, refinement in disciplinary by-laws, cutting down on redundant verbiage in the constitution, and the creation of a Students Bill of Rights.
      The next order of business was a review of the budget, with an eye towards sending representatives to the Conference of Student Government Associations meeting at Texas A & M University in late February. President Roan asserted that the SGA were within their planned financial parameters, as had been thought to be true at the last meeting in January, but had not been completely calculated. The issue of a refunded check that had not been received yet caused concern that the stated amount might vary to some degree.
      With detailed knowledge of the budget, the SGA then addressed a request by Campus Outreach Opportunity League conference for funds. With rough estimates for the money necessary for attendees of the D.C. lobbying summit already accounted for, five hundred dollars were granted to them in a non-unanimous motion.
      Under new business, the plan for an Illinois statehouse summit were updated by President Roan, who informed the SGA that through efforts by Associate Chancellor Ed Wojcicki, UIS had become the lead in efforts to join with other schools and lobby the Illinois legislature in regards to rising tuition and other student concerns.
      Winding down, there was discussion of the new Student Programming Advisory Board for Sangamon Auditorium, construction vehicle traffic on campus and a motion to accept the resignation of Representative at Large Sarah Jahn. The motion passed, plans were put forth to advertise the availability of the position, and the meeting adjourned.

Thaw Into Springfest

By Ron Felten - General Assignment Reporter

     Even though the ground is still frozen solid, it is not too early for UIS students to start preparing for the greatly anticipated annual campus event known simply as Springfest.
The week-long competition, which will be held for the 13th year this spring and has built a serious reputation, will feature a variety of athletic games and academic challenges in which teams of UIS students and staff will compete for medals, prizes and, most importantly, bragging rights.
      This year’s Springfest will run from April 10 - 16 and will reportedly be very similar to those of recent years, featuring events like flag football, kickball, a Jeopardy-style quiz game, a chant contest and the Spring Fling, the traditional Springfest dance.
      One of the most popular events, though, is also the one with the most interesting history. Springfest’s first ever mud tug-of-war contest was held where the Larkspur apartments now stand. In 1992, the apartments were still under construction and the builders agreed to dig a mud pit where the historic tug-of-war then took take place.
Brie Hudkins, a sophomore political studies major and Springfest committee member, said she thinks Springfest and its history are an important part of UIS’ identity. "Springfest’s original purpose was to create an event for people to get involved in," she said. "But it now adds the sense of tradition our campus needs."
      Hudkins said she thinks the inclusive nature of the event is one of its strengths. "Anyone can participate," she said. "People can register as a team or be placed on a spot [within an existing] team. I encourage everyone to participate even if it’s only as a judge for an event."
      Each Springfest has a theme and this year will be no exception. "Springfest was first started in 1992," said Cynthia Thompson, director of the UIS Office of Student Life. "So our theme this year will be ‘Brought to You Since ‘92.’"
      Thompson also encouraged students to get involved in this year’s Springfest, noting that the event has become increasingly more popular every year. "The number of teams participating has dramatically increased," she said. "It has almost doubled from nine teams in 2003 to 16 last year." Despite the expected increase again this year, Thompson said there are currently no plans to limit the total number of teams that will be allowed to participate.
      Brad Ward, a junior business administration major and chairman of the Springfest publicity committee, said Springfest provides the perfect chance for UIS students to unwind and relax before finals. "Springfest is a great opportunity to have fun for an entire week, not just one night," Ward said. "The contests held throughout the week all build up to Saturday, the big day when the contest is won."
      Springfest’s various competitions are each assigned a certain number of points, which are then awarded to the winners of each event. The team with the largest number of points on Saturday is declared the winner. Ward said the competition was very rewarding – literally. "[My teammates and I each] received first place medals," Ward said. "And the team got $250 to use at the restaurant of our choice."
      Ward said those interested in volunteering to help organize and run this year’s Springfest are more than welcome. "I am looking for some great, enthusiastic people to help me out," he said. "[The committee] meets at 3 pm on Fridays in the LRH lobby."
Springfest committee is also asking students to submit original logo designs that incorporate this year’s theme – "Brought to You Since ‘92" – that can be used on t-shirts and flyers. The deadline to submit artwork is 4 p.m. Thursday. Entries should be e-mailed to studentlife@uis.edu.
      Ward added that there are openings in a variety of roles. "The committee has lots of fun and exciting positions to offer," he said, "from dance planning to rules, even volunteering to referee some football or sand volleyball games."
      All UIS students and staff are encouraged to participate in Springfest, not just LRH or other on-campus residents. "One thing we really want see this year is more ‘non-traditional’ student involvement," Ward said. "Commuter students are encouraged to get teams together as well. It’s [their] student fees hard at work – [they should] get some use out of it."
      Kelly Beyer, a senior business management major, said she has never participated in Springfest before but plans to this year. "I always hear everyone talking about it and saying how much fun it is," Beyer said. "And, since this is my last year here, I figure I should probably [participate]."
      Beyer also said she plans on spreading her enthusiasm. "I’m going to try and get my friends involved too," she said. "I don’t think many of them realize that this will be our last chance to do something like this."
      As Ward said, any UIS student can form or join a team, which can be comprised of seven to 12 members, by completing a sign-up sheet at the Student Life Building. Extra points will be awarded to those teams featuring UIS staff or alumni. Sign-up forms are not yet available but the registration deadline is March 9. Any questions regarding Springfest should be directed to Cynthia Thompson in SLB 22 at 206-6665.

Police Beat

Compiled by Tom Cronin  

 Jan. 24, 4:02 p.m. – An officer was dispatched to an office on the fourth floor of the Public Affairs Center to take a report of a stolen tan couch.

Jan. 25, 12:10 a.m. – Officers were dispatched to Bluebell Court to assist a resident who was having an asthma attack. The officers provided first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The patient was transported to St. John’s Hospital by ambulance.

Jan. 25, 6:15 a.m. – Officers were dispatched to Marigold Court to assist a resident who was complaining of heart-attack symptoms. The officers provided first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The patient was transported to St. John’s Hospital by ambulance.

Jan. 25, 1:20 p.m. – A report was taken in regards to a dispute on Jan. 24.

Jan. 29, 12:47 a.m. – While officers were responding to a fire alarm in Pennyroyal Court, they noticed a large gathering outside of an apartment. After questioning the partygoers, several were charged with illegal consumption of alcohol.

Jan. 29, 1:30 a.m. – After receiving a call from a resident assistant reporting an underage party with alcohol in Foxglove Court, officers were dispatched. Several subjects were charged with illegal consumption of alcohol.

Jan. 29, 1:30 a.m. – A subject was charged with battery in relation to the report of illegal consumption of alcohol in Foxglove Court.

The Police Beat is a compilation of brief summaries of selected UIS Police reports. To read the complete list of report summaries, visit www.uis.edu/police/.

IBHE recommends 0.9 percent increase in higher ed appropriations for FY06

SGA discusses changes to bylaws, selection of sgt. at arms position

Thaw Into Springfest

Police Beat