Creating academic growth during times of budget cuts, layoffs, furloughs, restrictions, and doubt

Or

How to make lemonade out of lemons

By Dr. Robert Kase, Dean of Arts and Sciences

University of St. FrancisJoliet, IL

Dark TimesSmall Private Catholic Franciscan University (3500

students)Campus experiences severe budget cuts due to bond

covenants, loss of revenue due to investments.Eliminated 9 staff positions and 4 faculty positions$2.3 million dollars had to be cut from current budgetMandatory furlough days for staff Faculty staff and morale was decliningAdministration was defensiveLots of restructuring to save resourcesHow can we even think of adding new programs?

Load sometimes seems too heavy?

It is during the difficult times that we must show the most courageThe answer to our problems was to increase

revenueNew programs are riskyNew programs require new resourcesNew programs bring in new students

(revenue)New programs bring new energy to the

curriculumNew programs inspire creative thinkingCurricular reform is inspiring and

contagious

New Ideas… Mmmmm

Myths We have no money to launch new programsThese are tough times and no one will donate

enough to a specific programDevelopment doesn’t want you messing

around with potential donors We can’t add new faculty when we are having

layoffsThere is no money for new facilities All new programs are risky

New Ideas need new partnersCreate connections with those that share in the

passion for the programsDevelop well thought out strategiesCreate workable and do-able paths for

implementationBe specific about what is necessary for the

program to succeedInvite others to share in the dreamBuild a network of supportAccept that no one will do the work for you.

Overtime will be necessary

Engage others who share in the passion

Find the Right People ??? Find the right faculty to lead the chargeCreate outside network of community/alumni

that share in the vision Engage Development in the project.Create a list of “friends” who want to become

part of this programCreate a realistic picture of the needs to start

the programCollect accurate data for program growth

Securing Funding for the ProjectWorking with Development is key Build relationships with outside businessesBe specific in funding needsSeek grants and write them far in advanceEngage a long list of peopleMoney follows money – engage in a

successful campaignBe willing to be the first to donateAlways have a plan B

Money Likes to Follow MoneyMoney follows money – engage in a

successful campaign

Last year’s ideas became this year’s reality Digital Audio and Recording Arts Program – 20

new majors the first year.Doctor of Nursing Program – 15 new

candidates with a long waiting list.Center for Restorative Justice (within the

Criminal and Social Justice Program) – 40 new students the first year.

Expanded the Physician Assistant program from 30 students to 38 with no new facilities

Nearly two million dollars in new revenue the first year!

How did we do it? DARA Program

Added emphasis to existing BA in Music Degree – sailed through governance fairly easily

Found out there were lots of donors who loved the idea.

Money follows money – once one lawyer/judge donated others followed

Luck – donation of the recording equipmentBuilt the recording studio – in house

labor/bartered suppliesPartnered with independent studios

Doctor of Nursing Fully funded with three new full time faculty

by US Government GrantGrant for new facilitiesGrant for clinical outreachGrant for updated facilities and lab personnel

Center for Restorative JusticeDeveloped new business model for Juvenile

restorative justice. No Cop Shop. (Remember we are in Joliet!)

Wrote and Received $10,000 grant from the Center for Innovation to host a Summit for Restorative Justice

Engaged at risk high school students in Joliet/West Suburban Chicago area in an incredible day with guest clinicians – Leaders in Restorative Justice

Engaged Local Correctional leaders in the concepts and educational curriculum of restorative justice

Physician Assistant ExpansionRemodeled three class rooms to

accommodate more studentsRedesigned labs to accommodate more

studentsAdded new lab sections to accommodate

more studentsConvinced ARC-PA to raise accreditation

limitsChanged some personnelNew Leadership

Yes you canListen reflectivelySeek out those who support the endeavorSeek the resources you need from outsideWork with upper administration and

developmentWork very closely with Campus Operations

ManagerEngage others that have never thought about

being engaged on a college campusDon’t forget your adjuncts, they are a strong

resource

Results for the future $2,000,000 in new revenue the first year

(excluding grant money)Much opportunity for continued growthNew energy for innovationInspires othersThat inspiration works miracles