University growing amid financial struggle

Anyone out and about in Cape Girardeau this week has noticed the increased hum of activity, mostly a result of the beginning of another school year at Southeast Missouri State University.

This year, the level of activity is expected to go up a notch. University officials project a record enrollment above last year's 9,352 students. This growth trend has occurred every year since 1994, when the number of students dipped to 7,925 for the fall semester. The university's goal is to reach 10,000 students over the next four years.

The enrollment growth comes at a time of rapidly increasing tuition and fees. Southeast, like all other state-supported schools in Missouri, has raised its tuition and fees more than once in recent months to offset less-than-hoped-for funding from the state budget. Colleges and universities everywhere are faced with many of the same financial pressures, which means while Southeast's costs were going up, so were those of schools everywhere.

Even with the increased tuition and fees, Southeast offers one of the best values for higher education to be found anywhere. Any concerns that the increases might dampen enrollment appear to be unfounded, as enrollment projections show.

With the opening of a new residence hall this year on Henderson Street, the university can accommodate approximately 2,700 students on campus. About 2,500 students are expected to live in campus residence halls, which means there is room for growth.

In addition to the new residence hall, the university has expanded dining facilities in the University Center. Work is continuing on a facelift for Houck Stadium (drive by and take a look; it's quite an improvement). An expansion of the Show Me Center is nearing completion. Renovations to lower energy costs on campus have been going on this summer. Down the line are plans to build parking facilities and a new alumni center next to Wildwood, formerly the home of the university president.

All of this construction and renovation are signs of a growing university -- even during a funding crunch. Some folks -- including some faculty members whose paychecks aren't being increased while their health-insurance premiums are going up -- question all this spending in tight times.

Many of the projects recently completed or still under way were funded and started before appropriations for higher education took such a hit in the state budget this year. As a result, both students and faculty will benefit from many of the physical improvements as the enrollment trend continues to be positive.

Southeast faces many challenges in the months ahead as it decides how best to cope with the success of growing enrollment and the possibility of continued state funding limits. As the largest contributor to Cape Girardeau's economy, the university deserves the support of all those who are affected, directly or indirectly -- on campus or in the community.