President Jim Danko hosted the annual State of the University Address in Schrott Center for the Arts on Oct. 29. The address was attended by faculty and staff and livestreamed for those who could not attend in person.
The address was opened up with a speech from sophomore nursing major Sarah Gastineau, and was followed by information from Danko. He then brought up Melissa Beckwith, chief strategy officer & executive vice president; Alan Finn, executive vice president for finance and chief operating officer; and executive vice president and provost Michael Hole to further discuss important topics.
Here are five things to know for people who could not make the live address:
- Butler is in its third year of operating in a deficit
Two years ago, Butler was on a $4 million operating budget, accounting for 4% of the total budget. Last year, it was a $500,000 deficit, which Finn said is “basically breaking even.” The address clarified that Butler does not intend to “slash and burn,” but is still working on figuring out how to fix the current financial situation.
- Butler is “realigning for the future”
In part, figuring out budget issues and aligning the university for plans is causing organizational changes within staff and faculty. There are plans to implement a hiring pause for non-safety and health-related positions. Some faculty and staff positions may be realigned under different administrative teams. However, university officials do not plan to stop adding new programs and aim to more fully benefit the student experience.
- “Boldly Butler” is an organizational transformation initiative
“Boldly Butler” is the third initiative that Danko has worked on during his time as president. A lot of the current plan focuses on strengthening enrollment and gathering as much feedback from current students and faculty as possible. This intends to be especially prominent until spring break, with closer executive vice president (EVP) and staff collaboration. There are also plans to meet with commuter students and host more provost pop-ups.
- Enrollment target has not been reached in two out of the last three years
Part of the reason for the budget deficit is lower-than-expected first-year enrollment. Overall, discount rates — or the amount of institutional aid that needs to be given for students to be able to afford school — are increasing nationally. When giving out more aid, Butler is not able to admit as many students.
- The budget is still not approved for this year
As of the State of the University address, Danko and the EVPs said they were presenting the trustees with this year’s plan on Oct. 30. The current budget plan is to include an eight-million-dollar operating deficit, which will account for 4% of the operating budget.