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

1. 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. Francis Joliet, IL

2. Dark Times • Small 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 budget • Mandatory furlough days for staff • Faculty staff and morale was declining • Administration was defensive • Lots of restructuring to save resources • How can we even think of adding new programs?

3. Load sometimes seems too heavy?

4. It is during the difficult times that we must show the most courage • The answer to our problems was to increase revenue • New programs are risky • New programs require new resources • New programs bring in new students (revenue) • New programs bring new energy to the curriculum • New programs inspire creative thinking • Curricular reform is inspiring and contagious

5. New Ideas… Mmmmm

6. Myths • We have no money to launch new programs • These are tough times and no one will donate enough to a specific program • Development doesn’t want you messing around with potential donors • We can’t add new faculty when we are having layoffs • There is no money for new facilities • All new programs are risky

7. New Ideas need new partners • Create connections with those that share in the passion for the programs • Develop well thought out strategies • Create workable and do-able paths for implementation • Be specific about what is necessary for the program to succeed • Invite others to share in the dream • Build a network of support • Accept that no one will do the work for you. Overtime will be necessary

8. Engage others who share in the passion

9. Find the Right People ??? • Find the right faculty to lead the charge • Create 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 program • Create a realistic picture of the needs to start the program • Collect accurate data for program growth

10. Securing Funding for the Project • Working with Development is key • Build relationships with outside businesses • Be specific in funding needs • Seek grants and write them far in advance • Engage a long list of people • Money follows money – engage in a successful campaign • Be willing to be the first to donate • Always have a plan B

11. Money Likes to Follow Money • Money follows money – engage in a successful campaign

12. 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!

13. 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 equipment • Built the recording studio – in house labor/bartered supplies • Partnered with independent studios

14. Doctor of Nursing • Fully funded with three new full time faculty by US Government Grant • Grant for new facilities • Grant for clinical outreach • Grant for updated facilities and lab personnel

15. Center for Restorative Justice • Developed 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

16. Physician Assistant Expansion • Remodeled three class rooms to accommodate more students • Redesigned labs to accommodate more students • Added new lab sections to accommodate more students • Convinced ARC-PA to raise accreditation limits • Changed some personnel • New Leadership

17. Yes you can • Listen reflectively • Seek out those who support the endeavor • Seek the resources you need from outside • Work with upper administration and development • Work very closely with Campus Operations Manager • Engage others that have never thought about being engaged on a college campus • Don’t forget your adjuncts, they are a strong resource

18. Results for the future • $2,000,000 in new revenue the first year (excluding grant money) • Much opportunity for continued growth • New energy for innovation • Inspires others • That inspiration works miracles