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Penn State Intercom......September 27, 2001 BOT approves request
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| Capital budget requests |
The University is seeking a 4.25 percent base state appropriation increase for the 2002-2003 academic year. In addition, the University is asking for a $12 million increase for special appropriations to support information sciences and technology, agricultural research and cooperative extension, the College of Medicine and the Pennsylvania College of Technology's workforce development.
The Board of Trustees on Sept. 21 approved the request for $360.75 million, a $25.94 million increase over the 2001-2002 state appropriation.
"Penn State is the institution of choice for the plurality of the Commonwealth's most talented students, and a major contributor to workforce development," according to a report on the state appropriation request. "Penn State is the principal engine of research and technology transfer in Pennsylvania and the major source of university outreach. One in every two Pennsylvania households has someone participating in Penn State programs."
President Graham B. Spanier explained that it is the University's practice to bring the budget plan and state appropriation request before the board for review and approval before sending it on to the Commonwealth. Last year's state appropriation was $334.81 million.
An appropriation increase of $13.94 million is being requested to support basic operating costs. Special emphases are improving faculty and staff salaries, meeting escalating health care costs and providing support for facilities improvements and deferred maintenance.
To address salary concerns, the budget plan includes a 3 percent increase in the salary pool. In addition, the Faculty/Staff Excellence Fund -- supported by new tuition income -- will be continued for special merit, market and equity concerns, and the entire President's Excellence Fund will be designated to recognize top-performing faculty and staff.
The third area of emphasis in the basic operating budget is funding for critical needs in three areas: the maintenance and operation of new or newly renovated facilities; deferred maintenance.
For the full story, check the Web at http://www.psu.edu/ur/2001/bot21sept01approp.html
The Board of Trustees on Sept. 21 authorized the University to request $100.13 million for capital budget projects from the state Legislature for the fiscal year 2002-2003.
This includes a total of $91.1 million for construction projects and $9.03 million for original equipment. The bulk of the construction funding request is $71.1 million in projects that were previously authorized by the Legislature but were in jeopardy of lapsing due to sunset provisions in the authorization bill.
Each year at this time, the University's capital budget request is updated and, after approval, is submitted to the Department of Education for consideration by the Legislature.
For the full story, check the Web at http://www.psu.edu/ur/2001/bot21sept01budget.html.
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