Board OKs Parameters for 2012-13 State Budget Request

Pennsylvania College of Technology's Board of Directors on Thursday approved parameters for the college's state budget request for 2012-13.The numbers will be submitted to the state along with The Pennsylvania State University's request.

"It's always too early, but we have to do it,'' said Board Chairman Robert E. Dunham.

Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour and Vice President for Finance/CFO Suzanne T. Stopper noted the parameters are tentative and subject to change.

The tentative parameters are:

• An operating appropriation of $14,299,000, representing a 5-percent increase from 2011-2012, thereby restoring the reduction made this year
• Continuation of the special appropriations distributed from Penn State's Education and General appropriation ($396,000 for the operating budget)
• An increase of 4 percent in tuition and fees, per financial projections
• A salary increment of 4.5 percent, per the Penn College Education Association agreement

The board approved the appointment of Mike M. Cunningham, who has 33 years of service with the college, as vice president for information technology/chief information officer, effective Jan. 1. This represents a merging of two positions following the impending retirement, in January, of Jim E. Cunningham, vice president for information technology and business process improvement.

The board heard updates from President's Council members on various areas including Academic Affairs, Paul L. Starkey; Academic Services, Carolyn R. Strickland; Academic Instruction, Tom F. Gregory; Student Affairs, Elliott Strickland; Information Technology, Jim Cunningham; Business Operations; Suzanne Stopper; and College Services, David Kay. Gilmour reported on the activities of College Information and Community Relations, Workforce Development & Continuing Education, Enrollment and Admissions, Financial Aid, and Institutional Advancement.

Gilmour told the board that 319 high school students from around the state are on campus this week for Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week. She also noted 173 students, out of 233 petitioning to graduate, are expected to march at a Summer Commencement ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 6.

She said board members can expect to see a draft of the Middle States Self-Study Report at their Oct. 13 meeting.

"I think it puts the institution in a very good light," she said.

Thursday's meeting was held at the Community Arts Center, giving board members an opportunity to tour the facility beforehand.