State budget details discussed at Academic Senate meeting
University President George Ross told the Academic Senate Tuesday there is a continued plan for financial reductions to prepare for the state budget, which is anticipated to be adopted by May.
Last week, Ross and Kathy Wilbur, vice president of Development and External Relations, sat down with Robert Emerson, former Michigan budget director under former Gov. Jennifer Granholm, as he described a possible double-digit budget cut for Michigan schools in the future.
University officials anticipate having their budget plan by Feb. 17.
“As we know more,” Ross said, “we will share more.”
During the senate meeting, Ross also discussed his meeting with Gov. Rick Snyder and 14 other university presidents on Jan. 12.
Ross said Snyder discussed four challenges facing college presidents, including the need to turn out even more highly qualified graduates and guide them into fields where work is readily available in Michigan; work to keep more of those graduates in Michigan by helping remake urban areas and encouraging entrepreneurism; be partners in economic development and job creation; and help state government access the knowledge base of universities to solve state problems.
Ross also talked about the transition report that will be available around Feb. 1. The final reports will assist in the strategic planning process for a five-year plan for the university.
Those on the committee are faculty, staff, students and possibly community members.
International Education Council
During the second half of the meeting, a move was made to change the stated goal of the International Education Council, a standing committee of the Academic Senate that serves as an advisory body to the senate and Office of International Affairs.
The change involves two new pieces, including the curriculum and university internationalization, and the need for new or expanded international academic programs and offerings.
Alejandra Rengifo, who is on the International Education Council, said they are not a curriculum, but a liaison between other offices.
“As we get information (we will) transmit it to you,” said the associate professor of foreign languages, literatures and culture. “Be something on campus and be international ears. We don’t want to let the council die.”
