February 2007

Funding request to Legislature supports campus needs


The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees has requested a $177 million increase in funding from the Legislature for the biennium 2007-2009. There are three main components of the system’s request: inflation, underrepresented students, and technology infrastructure improvements. The Office of the Chancellor asked each college and university to express what it would do with increased funding.

With the requested budget increase, Saint Paul College will be able to:

  • Hold down tuition increases and avoid further decreases in essential programs and services through state funding for inflation


  • Increase academic support services for underrepresented students


  • Expand existing outreach, transition and retention services for students enrolled in the Power of YOU program


  • Expand the EnableMath™ Retention Initiative


  • Realize the technology of ubiquitous laptop use in teaching and learning


  • Invest in a Unified Messaging System (UMS), uniting our voice mail and email systems

In addition, some money would be distributed to colleges and universities through competitive grants. Saint Paul College would seek grant money for the following initiatives:

  • Development of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with Metropolitan State University for students pursuing a Practical Nursing diploma through Saint Paul College. Funds would be sought from the System’s Allied Health Curriculum Development Request to create seamless programming for nursing students pursuing a baccalaureate degree.


  • Expansion of student enrollment in the Consortium for Manufacturing and Applied Engineering with Bemidji State University to promote career opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) related industries.


  • Growth of student enrollment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) related courses through the creation and expansion of online and classroom courses in biosciences and engineering technologies.

Contributors: Jan Mahoney and Jim Brown