fsfaculty: Message from Dr Mark Goodman

["Delores Hudson" <dhudson@Senate.msstate.edu>]

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT
October 2004

    We are all too aware of the financial difficulties faced by MSU
over the last five years.  Increased enrollment appears to be the most
likely way that the financial picture will improve significantly.
    Most of us are aware that state government does not have enough
revenue available to meet all the demands for state services.  Barring a
state tax increase or tremendous economic growth, financial assistance
is unlikely to come from the state.
    Tuition increases covered the last pay raise, but annual tuition
increases are not going to be approved by IHL and increases have a
political cost.
    Enrollment increases appear to be the best chance for an improved
financial picture for the university.  Every 300 students equals about
$1 million in operating dollars.
    Recruiting and faculty self-interest are linked. The best chance
for significant pay raises comes from increasing the number of MSU
students. 
    Administrators are discussing and/or implementing several
recruitment
policies.
    One line of discussion would reward departments that had growing
enrollment.  Departments would receive a percentage of the tuition for
each additional freshman recruited.  This would be a big incentive for
faculty and departments to be active recruiters since currently
departments that grow are actually penalized when departmental budgets
remain constant.
    The Office of Student Affairs plans to place permanent recruiters
on the Gulf Coast and Jackson.  More effort will be made to recruit in
major cities like Memphis.
    Some revenue from the city restaurant tax will come to MSU to be
used for student activities.  A modern dorm that provides more privacy
is under construction and two 1960s-style dorms are being torn down. 
These efforts will improve the quality of student life, making MSU more
attractive to perspective students.
    Student Affairs also is in the process of re-evaluating the MSU
recruiting materials and is planning to do more target marketing.
    If you have views on this topic, please contact me at 325-7953 or 
mgoodman@comm.msstate.edu.


Delores Hudson
Staff Assistant, Faculty Senate/UCCC
(662)325-8700