FAMU has made significant strides since the “FAMU Rising” strategic plan of 2017, however a change to the higher education landscape has put the University’s increased budget request in jeopardy.
During Monday’s FAMU Faculty Senate meeting President Larry Robinson stressed the importance of taking more aggressive steps to speed up the University’s progress. One of the causes of this is the potential pay raise K-12 educators may receive. The money for the raise can possibly cut into the State University’s funding.
“That money will have to come from someplace else and one of the places that’s being targeted potentially is funding that goes to the state university system,” said Robinson. “We need to be prepared for the potential deduction by looking at ways to streamline our operations.”
To prepare for the possible deduction Robinson came up with a list of activities to support the initiative for the faculty. The list asked the faculty and staff to target funding request to the legislature, reallocate and invest internal resources, increase compliance monitoring, and to modify policies and procedures.
“We are talking about major changes in how we do business and reimagining the academic enterprise. We have to take a look to see if we have the right structure,” said Robinson.
In order to reimagine the academic enterprise Provost Maurice Edington says that faculty has to be more innovative in the university’s curriculum and program offering.
“There’s some areas on campus that are at the forefront of innovation, and there are some areas that are way behind,” said Edington.” We need to all get on bored and make sure that we are doing what we need to do under that umbrella. So, we are going to reimagine the academic enterprise to make that happen.”
Senate member Kyle Eidahl agrees with Robinson and Edington adding that not only faculty, but FAMU students have to step up this year in order to prioritize the University’s need for th budget.
“Faculty and students have to attend FAMU day at the capitol and convince them that our school needs the money though it may pit the Universities against K-12,” said Eidahl.
Edington eluded to faculty budget cuts if the budget request does not go through.
“We have some big priorities and not a lot of money, and not a lot of money,” said Edington. “Where do you think the money is going to come from? Internally.”
Priorities for FY2021 funding increase are increasing student success outcomes, promoting accountability and increase efficiency, supporting faculty excellence, and completing first class infrastructure.