To continue providing an affordable, high-quality education for Oklahomans, Oklahoma higher education Chancellor Glen D. Johnson explained the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s FY 2011 legislative budget request during a Legislative Tour held at Cameron University on Wednesday. Joining Johnson were State Regent Bill Burgess, CU President Cindy Ross, Dr. John Feaver, president of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Randy Cumby, president of Western Oklahoma State College, and Larry Devane, president of Redlands Community College. Legislators in attendance were Sen. Don Barrington, Sen. Randy Bass, Rep. Ann Coody, Sen. Ron Justice, Rep. Todd Russ and Rep. T.W. Shannon. In November, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education voted to request $27.5 million in new state appropriations during the upcoming legislative session. The total budget request for FY 2011 is 2.6 percent higher than the current year’s appropriation.

The budget request comes at a time when fall enrollments at Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities have reached an all-time high of 187,700 students, an increase of 5.8 percent compared to Fall 2008.

In the face of increased demand for courses, facilities and resources, Oklahoma’s institutions of higher education have initiated several cost-saving measures such as energy conversions and retrofit projects, reductions in administrative expenses, and outsourcing of services that will result in more than $73.6 million in savings from 2009 through 2011.

“During this economic crisis, Oklahoma’s system of higher education is doing its part by accommodating expanding enrollments while tightening its belt,” Chancellor Johnson said. “This budget request to the governor and the Legislature represents the operational funding levels our institutions need in order to maintain a high quality of instruction. Higher education is the engine that drives the economy, and we are prepared to continue to make the case that the dollars appropriated for higher education are the best investment ma

"All state agencies are going to name a budget requirement, and they invariably won't be asking for less," Feaver said. "There must be a clear understanding of what we face at a minimum level of need."

de in the future of our state.”

The state’s public higher education institutions require $26 million in new operating funds to address ongoing obligations such as increases in health insurance premiums and retirement costs. Library expenses, instructional materials, information technology replacements and scholarships are also expected to increase about $1.5 million.

For instance, Feaver said high school students may enroll in college courses concurrently with tuition paid which adds $875,000 to the budget; collectively, another $200,000 goes for Baccalaureate Scholarships for students with ACT scores of 30 or higher; and college credits earned through tech schools which transfer mostly to community colleges adds an additional $100,000.

"It adds up to about $1.5 million on top of the $26 million to make a total of $27.5 million, which covers minimal operating needs and vital programs, otherwise it's a standstill budget," Feaver said. "All state agencies are going to take a cut, but the question is, which ones will take the greatest hit. The governor and leadership in the House and Senate promise to minimize cuts to three main areas - education, transportation and health - and Sen. Ron Justice and Rep. Leslie Osborn are going to do everything they can to look after their colleges."

Feaver said higher education, unlike other state agencies, has ways to raise revenue locally, but other agencies don't have that fee-raising ability.

"No, I don't think we'll get the full $27.5 million, but maybe we'll get some of it," Feaver said.

Increased financial aid funding will also be a priority for the State Regents in the upcoming legislative session in order to reduce the financial barriers that prevent students from attending college. The State Regents are requesting an additional $100,000 for cooperative alliance fee waivers and $200,000 for Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarships.

The State Regents also seek to increase funding for the concurrent enrollment program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to take credit-earning college courses. The State Regents propose to increase funding for the program by $875,000.

The State Regents will seek $249,880 for the Office of Accountability. The office administers two state programs: the Oklahoma Educational Indicators Program and the Oklahoma School Performance Review Program.

The State Regents also approved a supplemental request of $35.8 million for FY10. These funds would restore institutional budgets and offset the 5 percent cuts assessed monthly this fiscal year due to the general revenue shortfall.

The total appropriation request for FY11 is $1.09 billion.