SIC president: State budget impasse forcing changes
Tuition is going up about 5.3 percent at Southeastern Illinois College and the college board is tightening its belt in other ways, like making staff cuts and increasing some fees.
President Jonah Rice reported to the SIC board of trustees on Tuesday statewide concerns regarding all of higher education funding, or lack thereof, and how long it may be before any state payments are made and what cuts could look like when revenue is finally released.
Officials discussed with the board the expectation that colleges and universities could face up to 18 months, possibly even longer, with no funding from Springfield and end up with reduced funding when the money starts to flow.
In response to the state's delinquency on payments, the board approved a $5 per credit hour tuition increase, bringing the total per credit hour cost to $99.
Dean of administration and business affairs, David Wright said that was in line with what most colleges are discussing and will still make SIC one of the most affordable colleges in the state and region.
The board also increased fees for hybrid courses, technical fees, and the Early College Program fee.
The technology fee will be increased by $2, a hybrid course fee of $25 was added, and Early College increased by $2.
The Adult Education program, including the early school leavers program and the GED program, will be reduced greatly at mid-term and includes three layoff notices. While current classes will conclude in March, one class on SIC's campus will continue through May. A re-evaluation of the program's funding status will be conducted this summer to determine what level of activity will be possible for the Fall 2016 semester.
"The state has failed to provide funding for these very valuable programs," said Vice President Dana Keating.
The college also reduced an administrative position at the Carmi Center and reduced its hours of operation. Some part-time and contractual staff had hours reduced.
Rice emphasized that SIC will maintain operations but will continue to re-engineer and react to news from the state capitol.
The college has increased efficiencies over the years resulting in, for example, the smallest administration in the entire region.
Rice noted it was sad to bring such recommendations to the board from administration but as reserves shrink and red budgets increase, tough decisions will have to be made.
"These decisions are not this board's fault, Rice said. "They are not the fault of anyone in this room or at this college. The fault lies in this budget impasse -- plain and simple.
"It's time. It's time to be statesmen and get this settled for the students, for they are the ones who will suffer in the end. Let's get a budget and work together on any differences to end this now."
In addition to several reductions in staff and administration, the board accepted the resignation of Josh Ervin, accounts receivable specialist, men's basketball coach and fitness center monitor, employed Maddison Maloney, admissions specialist, employed Dara Cox, TRIO/Student Support Services part-time academic advisor and approved a number of adjunct faculty members.
The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb. 16 in the Rodney J. Brenner Board Room.