Last summer’s sessions of classes went over the estimated budget by about $467,000 because of an increase in enrollment for summer courses.
The typical budget for the summer sessions is roughly $1.3 million for teaching courses. This year, the total cost for the summer session was $1,767,221, which included paying salaries and benefits for faculty and staff.
This does not include the cost of operating the campus such as utilities, heating and air conditioning.
Gilbert Atnip, vice chancellor of Academic Affairs, said more classes were offered this summer than anticipated.
“Our first priority is offering more classes for students,” Atnip said.
Because more students enrolled to take summer classes in 2007, there was an increase in the amount of money spent for the 2008 sessions.
“Some parts of the budget, we will spend less than expected, and some parts more than expected,” Atnip said.
The campus has a $50 million budget for the year. The budget’s income comes from state money and tuition from students.
“We manage our budget very well,” Atnip said.
From that $50 million budget, 70 percent of that income goes to faculty, staff.
“A budget is a plan to spend money,” Atnip said.
For example, Atnip said the school gives deans and others a certain amount of spending money. They run their operations based on that amount. He said sometimes they will spend more than expected.
Atnip said the extra cost will be covered by more money coming in.
“Because we have more income, it’s not a problem to have more costs,” Atnip said.
He said the university expects to manage the budget and come out about even.
“Most of the time we spend less in certain departments and we are able to carry that money over to the next year,” he said.
Atnip also said money left over can be used to fix roofs if needed and to buy new equipment for labs.
He said 80 percent of students are working and attending classes.
“Summer sessions allow students to take courses to help keep them on track and to make up courses if needed,” he said.
“Summer session is very important and we support it.”
By NATALIE DEDAS
Staff Writer
natdedas@ius.edu
