Utah State University President Stan L. Albrecht met with the Huntsman School of Business in late March to discuss the outcome of the 2009 Utah legislative session. More sessions are planned with other campus groups (see schedule below). President Albrecht noted that the legislative session was a stark reminder of this year’s difficult economical situation.

“This is a challenging time, but we have the opportunity to define what the future of our university will be,” said President Albrecht. “As the economy improves, funds will come back, but most likely in different ways. In order to assure those funds, it is critically important to talk about quality indicators and quality measures that will define our future as a top-notch research institution.”

 

USU Executive Vice President and Provost Raymond Coward, Vice President for Advancement Ross Peterson, Vice President for Business and Finance Fred Hunsaker and Special Assistant to the President for State and Federal Relations Michael Kennedy also addressed the audience.

 

Peterson said the university is still moving forward with the campaign and reminded the audience that the primary objective of the campaign is to enhance the opportunities for the students so that they can come to USU and have success.

 

President Albrecht concurred, telling those in attendance that although we were hit hard by the legislature, we were able to protect the core of the university. By protecting the core, President Albrecht believes the university kept the best interests of the students at the forefront.

 

Kennedy told the group that this year’s legislative session was about minimizing the budget cuts to the university, as well as the impact of the budget cuts. He also discussed good things to come from the session including the increased USTAR funding, the budget flexibility bill and the legacy provision bill.

 

President Albrecht touched on the mandatory furlough in March and thanked all present for participating in something that saved university funding.

 

Also discussed was the impact of the voluntary separation incentive and the fact that it will save the university $7.5 to $10 million in ongoing savings. Other topics addressed were the benefits package and the increased enrollment for the 2009-10 school year.

 

President Albrecht is planning future visits to all areas of the university. A short presentation is followed by a question and answer period. All presentations are in 45-minute increments. The dates and times are:

 

9 a.m., College of Natural Resources, Library #101

11 a.m., PEA/CEA, East side of Stevenson Ballroom, TSC

 

2 p.m., University Library, Library #101

 

3:30 p.m., College of HASS, Eccles Science Learning Center #130

 

11 a.m., Regional Campus and Distance Education, Old Main #136, via videoconference

3 p.m., College of Engineering, Engineering #101

 

9 a.m., Extension (over BREEZE), Agricultural Science #207

 

9 a.m., College of Agriculture, location to be determined

 

Contact: John DeVilbiss, 435-797-1358, john.devilbiss@usu.edu
Writer: Maren Cartwright, 435-797-1355, maren.cartwright@usu.edu

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