Strengths

• We have maintained quality programs and a sound fiscal position despite diminishing state support.
• A well-conceived capital facilities master plan has elucidated our vision for capital improvements.
• The success of our first capital campaign has laid the groundwork for future fund-raising efforts.
• Operation Jump Start and the upcoming Academic Facilities Renovation Plan are providing a substantial infusion of funding for capital improvements.

Areas of Concern

• Despite a healthy, growing economy and a budget surplus, the Commonwealth has provided only minimal funding increases. This raises the specter of even less Commonwealth support when the current economic boom ends.
• The State System's complement cap has made it difficult to provide the necessary technology support staff for teaching and learning.
• The upcoming focused campaigns will rely more heavily on the active participation of deans and faculty in identifying donors. They will need significant support in this new role for this approach to be successful.
• Our scholarship programs have not been historically used to attract students.
• Commonwealth regulations and State System policy inhibit the development of entrepreneurial initiatives, restricting a potential revenue stream.

Recommendations

• With State System leaders, develop a more predictable funding formula. With area legislators and State System leaders, intensify efforts to develop strategies to attain an adequate base of operating and capital funding streams.
• Continue implementation of the capital facilities master plan.
• Determine the best way to ensure continuing long-range planning for support for technologies and instructional equipment.
• Plan endowment growth to reflect our most pressing needs. Continue to develop our information base of potential donors, and increase support for the many faculty and staff without capital campaign experience who will want to participate in the next campaign.

Suggestions

• Work with the Office of the Chancellor to create agile policy and procedures that encourage innovative entrepreneurial ventures.
• Develop scholarship goals for the next five years.