Southeast to phase out one business program to save money

A business program at Southeast Missouri State University could be the first cut in academic programs as the university works to boost revenue and reduce costs.

University president Dr. Ken Dobbins said the management information systems program will be phased out because of lagging enrollment. He said he will make the recommendation to the board of regents at its March 25 meeting along with other ideas to balance the university's budget over the next two years.

Dobbins addressed university faculty and staff Wednesday for the third time in two days about the financial condition of the university and state budget. For employee input, the university arranged three forums, which were closed to the media and university executive staff after an introduction by Dobbins.

"Input does not mean we are going to follow everything, and we all know that," he said during a speech at Academic Hall auditorium. Microphones were set up to solicit comments during the meeting, which was primarily about academic programs.

"We can't solve this problem alone," he said. "We can't solve this problem by being totally negative."

Dr. Gerald McDougall, dean of the Harrison College of Business, said the management information systems program was already under review when the university embarked on $7.76 million in budget cuts late last year. The university is taking a two-year approach to its next budgets in anticipation of lower state support.

All academic programs are now being analyzed as part of the university's efforts to save money. Data from the review includes the number of students, costs per student and the number of students who complete the programs.

The university set up eight subcommittees to outline $2 million in cuts in areas like athletics, benefits and academics. Their findings were posted to the university website in advance of the employee meetings.

According to information posted about the program reviews, the management information systems program declined in enrollment from a high of 116 students in fall 2002 to 28 in fall 2009.

Juniors and seniors will be able to finish the program, Dobbins said. The faculty positions could be reallocated depending on the review of academic programs, which also includes an analysis of faculty workloads.

McDougall said he attributes the low program numbers to lagging demand in the field. The decreased enrollment numbers have a negative effect on the students' experience, he said.

"You just cannot have the same kind of classroom environment," McDougall said.

The university is also looking to increase revenue. Administrative costs, including transcript processing and application fees, could increase.

Special course fees could be added for the more expensive programs. Depending on the structure, the additional fees could generate between $164,233 and $525,687 for the university, according to the course fee subcommittee's report.

Dobbins said the university is taking a zero-sum approach. If faculty and staff do not want to see changes in one area, they will be made in another area. Dobbins said the two-year plan should be finalized during fall semester.

"We have a process," he said. "We have folks who are giving us their best thoughts."

In an interview before the forum, a faculty member said her main concern is the academics.

"I just don't want it to affect the academic quality of the institution," said Dr. Diane Wood, a professor in biology.

abusch@semissourian.com

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