The Metropolitan State University of Denver Budget Recommendation Committee met Friday to discuss needs and funding requests for the upcoming fiscal year. The purpose of the meeting was to “set the foundation of what we think we’re going to need in terms of revenues to fund some of the mandatory and other expenses,” said George Middlemist, Ph.D., associate vice president of administration and finance.
Representatives from each branch shared specific needs for their department. The focus for all funding requests is to support efforts and operations that help to stabilize branch operations and support enrollment stabilization and growth in alignment with the 2030 Strategic Plan, while maintaining affordability and access. MSU Denver is still waiting for the state to finalize higher education’s proposed funding level.
The University’s base requests total approximately $19 million, $3.2 million of which are mandatory expenses. One-time requests total approximately $12.6 million, with $1.2 million of that constituting mandatory expenses. Mandatory budget requests refer to those increases costs that are mandated by an outside entity such as the federal or state government, a health care provider, etc.
Branch requests
Administrative Branch
Top priorities for the branch include adding Accounting, Human Resources and ITS staff that support a flexible and remote work environment. Funding requests will also support salary adjustments of key employees to ensure retention as well as the development of a new leadership program.
University Communications and Marketing
The UCM goals for fiscal year 2023 all center on stabilizing enrollment through statewide marketing and advertising efforts, driving regional and national awareness around MSU Denver’s reputation and cultivating relationships with employees, students, and business and community leaders. Funding will directly support internal and external communications, thought leadership efforts, crisis communication training, and marketing, advertising and branding efforts.
Office of General Counsel and Equal Opportunity
Requested funds will support enrollment stabilization by supporting the campus community and Board of Trustees to further the Office of the President’s initiatives. In alignment with the 2030 Strategic Plan, particularly the sections related to diversity, equity and inclusion, the office seeks to add a full-time EO position.
Academic Affairs
To support Pillars II, III and IV of the 2030 Strategic Plan and to help stabilize enrollment, Academic Affairs requests funding to hire 34.5 full-time-equivalent positions (including faculty and staff members) to meet student needs. This request will directly support Pillars II (Student-Centered Academic Excellence) and IV (Student Access, Service and Achievement) , as well as aspects of Pillar III (Organizational Agility and Sustainability).
President’s Office
Requested funds will help expand administrative support for important University initiatives such as MSU Denver Champions Program, President’s Speaker Series, Staff Senate, program and organization memberships, travel, faculty fellows, sponsorships, student budget and Government relations.
Data and Analytics
Requests will increase capacity to respond to increasing data and analytics requests in timely fashion through predictive analytics, data mining, forecasting, trend analysis and the addition of two FTEs.
Student Affairs
The Office of Student Affairs seeks to retain current talent and recruit new staff by adjusting compensation and offering competitive salaries and opportunities. Among other responsibilities, these staff members will help move students smoothly through the enrollment process and provide holistic support for transfer and adult learners. The office also hopes to hire and maintain a strong student-employee workforce.
University Advancement
UA seeks funding to activate its capital campaign by securing key lead gifts, growing engagement across more than 103,000 Roadrunner alumni, and continuing to build operational foundation and capacity for campaign needs and strategic growth. Funds would primarily be used for technology and to expand operational capacity.
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The ODI is looking to increase resources and support for faculty and to recruit and retain BIPOC faculty members. Funding is also intended to strengthen campus climate cultivation and community engagement, to support graduate assistants, and to increase compensation equity.
Athletics
The Athletics department is seeking to move 5.64 positions that are currently funded from student fees and temporary budgets to the base budget. Requested funding will also address salaries to retain coaches and staff, support athletic scholarships, compensate student-employees and invest in student-athlete health and safety.
The committee will meet next on March 18.