Welty: Budget news encouraging

President Welty reported at the annual Spring Assembly on Jan. 13 that the campus faces a brighter budget picture than in any of the previous three years.

Welty told faculty and staff that Fresno State stands to see its state appropriation increase by $11.4 million in 1005-06 if the budget proposed by the governor is adopted. That comes after repeated budget restrictions in recent years.

The proposed budget would provide a 2.5 percent increase for enrollment growth and includes funds for financial aid for needy students.

 Among the other points in his address were:          

• The university’s academic achievements were documented in the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation review of Fresno State. Welty said that at the close of a three-day site visit, the chair of the WASC review panel congratulated Fresno State for being an exemplar institution that is well-positioned for academic excellence and regional service. (A full account of the WASC review was reported in the Fresno Bee. Read the story.)
• Future changes in the College of Engineering are being considered. The computer science department requested and was granted a move from that college to the College of Science and Mathematics, effective July 1, 2005. Provost Jeri Echeverria will consult with faculty and others about changes in the College of Engineering and will make a recommendation to the president before spring break.

See full text of President Welty’s speech. See Fresno Bee report on the speech.