February 26, 2008

Inside this Issue

Events & Activities
Budget Request & Update
Spring Enrollment Jumps 13%

From the Chancellor

February continues to be a busy but productive month despite what many are describing as “an old fashioned winter.” I know I am looking forward to some relief from winter and hear others express the same thought.

On an upbeat winter note... a student recently e-mailed me saying she appreciated the way facilities staff has worked to clear snow from the sidewalks, streets and parking lots. The staff arrives early in the morning, comes in on weekends and works throughout the day to remove snow and ice. I know everyone joins me in thanking them and trusts their work can soon be directed to other tasks.

Budget Update

Much time has been invested in the 2008-2009 Budget Proposal. Input gathered from across the campus helped shape the budget proposal submitted to central administration. On February 19, SVC Thomas Baldwin, VC Eric Johnston-Ortiz, Assistant to the VC Tricia Sanders and I had the opportunity to present our proposal to Senior Vice President Robert Jones and others. I'm confident the proposal was well researched, developed, justifiable and necessary for the University of Minnesota, Crookston to meet the goals identified in the Strategic Positioning Task Force Report of November 30, 2005. Several questions were asked by VP Jones and others. I believe we were able to respond to all questions with strong data and background.

The next step in the budget process is to wait until we receive a response regarding our proposal. The enthusiasm for our proposal is tempered by the reality of the legislative decision to provide fewer new dollars to the University of Minnesota in 2008-2009 than 2007-2008 and the current State budget shortfall. The Regents are scheduled to consider the overall University Budget at their meetings April 10-11. We will continue to finalize the campus budget over the next couple of months.

I am encouraging all members of the Executive Committee to share the proposal with their departments and units. The full proposal is also available on the Crookston campus Web site.

Official Spring Enrollment

Spring 2008 enrollment figures are out and show continued interest from students in obtaining a degree from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Spring 2008 enrollment of fulltime degree-seeking students is 1072 compared to 951 for spring 2007. This represents an increase of nearly 13%. Thanks to everyone for your commitment to students and their success.

Other Campus Notes

Last Thursday, Barbara and I traveled to Mesa, Ariz., to join alumni and friends of the Crookston campus at the annual winter social. Nearly 100 people attended and enjoyed visiting with colleagues before, during and after the luncheon. Thanks to the Office of Development & Alumni Relations for their preparation that made the event so successful.

Development Director Corby Kemmer and Sherry Just were on-site to greet everyone. It was also great to have current faculty member Chuck Habstritt and his wife join us with former coach Jim Sims and his wife as well.

On February 20, more than 80 students traveled to St. Paul to participate in Support the U Day held at Minnesota State Capitol. Again this year more Crookston campus students attended than from any other campus. CSA Senator Marshall Johnson spoke passionately about the need for State support and represented himself and his colleagues exceptionally. Many commented positively about his remarks and the commitment of Crookston campus students. Thanks to the individuals who traveled with the students and helped arrange the trip. As chancellor of the University of Minnesota, Crookston, I am always proud to be with students at this event.

I want to again encourage everyone to stay informed about critical campus safety information by registering to receive TXT-U messages. Register online at www.UMCrookston.edu/TXTU.

Lastly, I want to personally invite you to some upcoming important events on campus and encourage you to attend. Thank you for supporting activities and events on the Crookston campus and delivering an exceptional experience for our students. 

• March 5 – Convocation, 10 a.m. in Kiehle Auditorium
• March 5 – Smoke/Tobacco Free Forum, 3 p.m. in Kiehle Auditorium
• March 6 – President Bruininks State of the U Address, 3 p.m. in Dowell Hall 220
• March 13 –Visit from President Li – Zhejiang Economic and Trade Polytechnic
• March 14 – Visit from President Robert Bruininks, University of Minnesota

Chuck
– Charles H. Casey, Chancellor
University of Minnesota, Crookston

Featured Events & Activities

Spring Convocation, March 5 – Fall 2007 Chancellor's List and Dean's List recipients are recognized along with student-athletes at 10 a.m. in Kiehle Auditorium.

State of the University Address, March 6 – President's Bruininks State of the University address will be at 3 p.m. in Dowell Hall 220 via ITV on the Crookston campus. Learn more about the innovation and education going on throughout the system.

Raining Jane Concert, March 12 – A free concert in honor of Women's History Month features the unique sound of this all-woman band at 7 p.m. in Bede Ballroom in the Student Center. To learn more about Raining Jane, visit http://www.rainingjane.com. Visit the Web for more Women's History Month activities.

Spring Break, March 17-21 – No classes; campus offices are open, except for March 21.

Floating Holiday, March 21 – Offices closed.

Women's Health Career Journeys, March 29 – Presentations will feature professionals from traditional and non-traditional career paths including nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, behavioral health, veterinary medicine, public health, alternative health, dietetics, fitness and more. The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Bede Ballroom in the Student Center. Call 218-281-9200, x216, to exhibit and/or register. The $7 registration fee covers lunch and refreshments. Visit the Web for more Women's History Month activities.

We look forward to seeing you. For more details or to discover what's happening this week, visit UMC Today at www.UMCrookston.edu/umcnews or review our news page at www.UMCrookston.edu/umcnews/stories.

Publication notes: The E-Update is published twice each month August thru April and once each month in the summer, May thru July. Issues are posted online.

If you have any questions regarding the information in this news update, please send them to urumc@umn.edu.