Looking ahead

Southeast Missouri State University's budgeting process this year was affected as much by the recession as most every other segment of the economy. A deal was struck early in the process that maintained state funding levels while schools agreed to forgo any increase in student fees for a year.

But "maintaining" funding doesn't keep up with ever-increasing expenses such as health-care costs, raises for faculty promotion and utilities. All of these expense items will again put pressure on next year's round of budgeting.

Other factors will have a bearing on future spending plans. Missouri's high school graduation rate is about to peak. This means there will be a smaller pool of potential freshmen.

Southeast has had several consecutive years of strong enrollment gains. This is a credit to the university's efforts to attract students with high-quality programs and attractive facilities. The River Campus, aquatic center, polytechnic building, business school and vastly improved parking and shuttle system have all appealed to new students.

And the university also has improved its retention rate, which means more students enrolling as freshmen are continuing their studies at Southeast.

There are significant budgetary challenges ahead, but Southeast has demonstrated its ability to plan for and meet students' needs.