Furukawa-Schlereth clarified that it is typical for cost of on-campus housing to exceed off-campus housing. He further explained that campuses with residential facilities constructed many years ago are able to offer lower rates. He acknowledged that SSU’s rates are near the top end of CSU rates, reflective of current high construction rates. SSU’s housing prices are competitive with what other CSU campuses are offering.
Merrifield said that the focus of recruiting efforts is one of several factors determining which students select SSU. He recommends aligning the recruitment efforts to support the type of students we wish to attract, for example freshmen or transfer students. He suggested that a survey, inclusive of faculty, would be useful in determining the vision of what we want the SSU community to look like. He further suggested that students find forums in which they can contribute to developing that vision.
c. Furukawa-Schlereth told the committee that next year’s projections call for triple occupancy in the Cabernet apartments which are equipped with kitchens. It has been decided, based on recommendations from housing and student life staff, to require freshmen residing in Cabernet to purchase the 10-meal plan. The decision is not motivated by the desire to sell meals, but rather is designed to ensure that the students, typically having their first experience away from home, get out of their apartment, mix with fellow students and have access to healthy food and dining related social activities. Review by the FAC is not required on this issue, since it is not a new fee, but Furukawa-Schlereth said he prefers to provide information when any fee to students is involved.
Patrick Sullivan asked how many students would be affected. While it is not yet known how many freshmen will reside in Cabernet apartments, the overall number of freshmen in the residential community is expected to increase from around 800 to 1,000. Dining facilities have the capacity to serve this larger population.
Latulippe and Robb wondered where the decision is being made and whether there is a forum to which student comment on this issue should be directed. Goldstein offered to find out and notify FAC members.
IV. IRA Budget Recommendation for 00/01
Furukawa-Schlereth presented his recommendations for allocation of IRA funding for the year 00/01. The recommendation is premised on the assumption that increased enrollments will produce $65,174 more revenues than 99/00 and that all currently funded programs have met their accountability measures. His recommendation included 5% salary pool, subject to collective bargaining, for Athletics and CPA; no change to the Library funding; and restoration of funding to the 98/99 level for the Children’s School. He is not recommending funding to Project Censored, which received one-year funding last year, or Detour Sonoma for which funding was declined last year. As CFO of the University, Furukawa-Schlereth has provided these recommendations to President Armiñana.
Crystal Shrouf stated her objection to an assessment against IRA funds for CMS. She is working with Stephanie Rahlff, Chair of CSSA to enact restrictions against the use of IRA funds for CMS. Furukawa-Schlereth said his recommendation is consistent with SSU’s policy, however SSU will certainly comply with any CSU system directive on the matter.
In response to a question about the Administrative Fee, Furukawa-Schlereth explained that, under the full-cost model, the fee provides for accounting and administration associated with the management of IRA funds.
Merrifield informed the group that during his visit on March 9 Chancellor Reed will attend the Academic Senate meeting from 3:00-4:00 p.m. He will address the group and then respond to questions. The Academic Senate plans to invite the entire campus community to attend their meeting that day. Merrifield, Chair and McGough, Chair-Elect, will invite questions covering a wide range of issues. He invites students from FAC to attend the meeting and perhaps have the opportunity to question the Chancellor on this or other matters.
Furukawa-Schlereth said perhaps the PBAC would recommend that SSU’s three student-fee funded entities, Student Union, Associated Students and IRA, could be relieved of CMS assessments, however to do so would increase the amount to be taken "off-the-top" of the general fund budget for the purpose, resulting in smaller allocations to other campus units.
Referring to the recommended increase for Athletics and Performing Arts, Adams noted that the 1994 referendum did not specify an increasing allocation to any of the programs. She reminded the committee that two years ago students recommended that allocations to Athletics and Performing Arts not include funding for COLAs. Those programs were advised to identify other funding to cover those costs. She opposes President Armiñana’s decision to direct IRA funding to support annual salary increases. Shrouf recalled that last year FAC again recommended that Athletics find an alternative source of COLA funding. Furukawa-Schlereth acknowledged the FAC’s recommendation, but indicated that, as CFO, he had not endorsed that recommendation.
Furukawa-Schlereth reminded the committee that, on advice from Associated Students, President Armiñana disagreed with FAC’s recommendation to reduce funding to the SSU STAR. Funding was maintained at a stable level. This was possible because the anticipated increase to CMS and the risk management were not needed after all.
Adams voiced her concern about ensuring a fair application process for those seeking IRA funding. She cited the confusion experienced by the Detour Sonoma group regarding whether or not instructional equipment is funded by IRA program, and Project Censored’s questions about whether or not staff salaries are allowable. She believes the FAC should decide what types of expenses are acceptable before inviting applications. She expressed her disappointment with last year’s process, believing it was confusing to applicants.
Sullivan asked if the Library allocation should also be increased since it too supports wages, and with the larger Shultz Center they may to increase staffing. Furukawa-Schlereth clarified that the salaries funded for the Library do not increase according to established salary schedules as the other programs do. Also, the Library has not requested additional funding from IRA.
Goldstein reminded the committee that this is a first reading of the CFO’s recommendation. Next meeting he will agendize further discussion to decide on a process for coming to closure on this matter. Furukawa-Schlereth said his staff will prepare accountability reports for review by FAC.
Shrouf suggested that materials be made available so that new members of the committee can review the IRA process and recent events relating to it. It was noted that minutes of the meetings for the past few years are available on the web. Committee members were advised to review them. In a brief discussion of early IRA history Furukawa-Schlereth remembered that in view of impending cuts from the general fund budget Carlos Peña, then-A.S. President, suggested increasing the IRA fee in order to employ athletics coaches. Merrifield also recalled that saving the athletics program was a central issue in the debate about increasing the fee, engendering strong feelings both in support and opposition.
Questions arose regarding the relationship of IRA funding to the athletics program, and about programs and priorities of Athletics. Goldstein will invite Dr. Rand Link, Vice President of Student Academic Services, and Mr. Bill Fusco, Director of Athletics, to provide information regarding the athletics program at an up-coming FAC meeting. Adams suggested that all programs with permanent base allocations (except the Library, since its allocation does not increase from year-to-year) be asked to make a presentation to FAC.
Adams wondered if any new programs could apply for funding. Furukawa-Schlereth expressed his opinion that it would be unfortunate to build expectations when, given that FAC has made three-year commitments to many and the President has directed IRA to cover COLA costs, there is no available funding for new programs.
Latulippe recommended that future funding decisions not be of a permanent nature, such as the four programs that currently have base funding, since that effectively commits future students to honor decisions of the past and eliminates their self-determination. It was acknowledged however, that on-going programs benefit from some assurance of a steady stream of funding, rather than facing year-to-year uncertainty.
Adams said the committee should not feel stifled by CFO’s recommendations, rather she suggested that the group use its own judgment and creativity in making recommendations reflective of students’ desires. Furukawa-Schlereth agreed but urged the committee to act quickly because budgets for next year are already under development at the program level. Merrifield shared his view that committees like FAC sometimes vote, or develop recommendations symbolically to make their views known, even though they don’t expect recommendations to be adopted. He supports discussion along those lines, but cautions against building expectations that the recommendations will prevail.
Discussion of IRA recommendations concluded with the request that staff provide IRA funding recommendations and final allocations for the past several years.
Latulippe reminded staff that he would like to be informed about where to address questions or discussion regarding the proposed meal-plan purchase requirement
V. ADJOURNMENT
The Committee having completed its business, Goldstein adjourned the meeting at 7:45p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by, Katie Pierce, Academic Affairs Budget Officer
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