Montana State University-Billings

FY 2005

Preliminary Budget Overview

Montana State University-Billings budget priorities for FY 2005 continue to be the issues which were brought forward to the Regents when the two-year tuition rate approval was made in FY 2003.

 

The tuition increase will be used to help cover increased costs of:

 

  • $500/FTE salary increase
  • Health insurance and benefits increases
  • Promotions and market adjustment increases
  • Utility cost increases
  • Library materials increases
  • Costs associated with anticipated enrollment growth
  • Banner Initiative costs
  • Fixed cost increases (Summitnet, insurance, etc.)

 

In addition to these increased costs, MSU-Billings will be reallocating resources to cover other budget priorities for the University. One such priority is an increased investment in on-line education. Demand for on-line education from MSU-Billings has increased substantially. A high priority of the University is to provide access to our high quality post-secondary education programs and services to individuals who are place bound; time bound, or have a clear preference for this mode of learning.

 

The University will allocate more funding to support the growth and development of the College of Allied Health. This is a direct response to the needs of the healthcare industry that serves the community and region. The Billings community hosts the state s largest regional medical center where significant needs for training and educating healthcare professionals are well documented. The development of these collaborative programs is a high priority.

 

University outreach and integration into our community and region is focused through the development of the College of Professional Studies and Lifelong Learning which has recently been physically relocated to Downtown Billings. This priority development is key to the lay partnership and collaboration between the University and the business community and the public served by the University. There are roughly 12,000 employees in greater Downtown Billings, many of whom individually and organizationally have indicated a significant need for continuing education (training, workshops, degree completion and certification programs). Work force training for tellers at Wells Fargo Bank and safety training for ConocoPhillips employees are but two (2) current examples of these efforts.

 

MSU-Billings remains firmly committed to serving students with disabilities. The University is experiencing continued growth in its population of disabled students. The University will invest in the resources necessary to accommodate these disabled students (sign language interpreters, mentors, tutors/readers, and aides for the visually impaired and physically disabled are examples).