Requests for additional support for library resources and student scholarships are again this year at the top of UD's request for state appropriations in the upcoming fiscal year, to be presented by President David P. Roselle this afternoon to members of the governor's executive staff.
The requested state appropriation is for $108.8 million, representing an increase of $5.1 million, or 4.9 percent, over the current fiscal year state allocation of $103.7 million to UD.
Turning to UD's top priority request-$200,000 to cover inflationary increases in the cost of library materials-UD will have to spend an additional $323,665 this year just to maintain its existing journal collection. That figure does not include expenses for new volumes, journals, microforms and the databases that are essential for a first-rate academic library.
Also at the top of the University's list is a request for $511,900 in additional funds for scholarship programs. The University has been remarkably successful in recent years in containing cost increases to students, with tuition hikes for Delawareans, as an example, averaging just over 3 percent per year over the past six years. That compares to national average annual increases of 6 percent.
The additional support for scholarships will help ensure "that no qualified students will be denied access to the University of Delaware solely on the basis of their inability to pay for their education," according to Roselle.
Other aspects of the University request include:
- $320,000, as the second of two installments to underwrite up to eight faculty positions in the Department of Biological Sciences, as part of the Biotechnology at the University of Delaware initiative;
- An additional $65,000 for computer-aided instruction in the College of Arts and Science; $45,000 to fund an additional technician to fully maximize the University's interactive television network, which is shared by Delaware State University, Delaware Technical and Community College and Wilmington College, expanding postsecondary opportunities for the citizens of Sussex County;
- $275,000 in new funds to support staffing and operations for the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, whose mission is to engage in leading-edge scientific discovery, to provide biotechnology-based education and to promote economic development and create high-quality jobs;
An increase of $500,000 over and above the current $1 million in the minor capital improvements appropriation to assist in maintaining UD's campus, one of Delaware's prized assets;
- $150,000 in recurring funds to ensure both technological and academic support services in the University Parallel Program are comparable to those available to undergraduates on the Newark campus;
- $655,000 in additional funds for several agricultural initiatives-in agricultural environmental quality, crop extension, Cooperative Extension, the Agricultural Research and Education Center, the Agricultural Experiment Station and the poultry and swine diagnostics and soil testing services. In his presentation, Roselle says these services touch citizens in every part of the state, strengthen the state's agribusiness and improve the quality of life throughout Delaware;
- $980,000 for eight special lines in College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy, including support for the Delaware Center for Teacher Education, the Mathematics and Science Education Resource Center, training and research in education management, clinical instruction for teacher education, the Office of Teacher Recruitment, early childhood education, the Democracy Project/Civics Education and the Education Resource Center. All these lines are specifically targeted at improving K-12 education in the state of Delaware to ensure that Delaware elementary and secondary students learn and demonstrate mastery of new content standards;
- $250,000 to establish a Center for Leadership Education and Community Service, to be housed in the College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy and to instill the importance of service to the community in all of the University's students;
- $500,000 in new and additional funds for five lines in the College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy that focus on enhancing policy development in Delaware, including support for environmental policy research and education, the Center for Community Development and Family Policy, local government research and assistance, economic development policy research and the Center for Disabilities Studies. These programs "place UD faculty and students in agencies and organizations where they can play a central role in shaping a better Delaware," according to Roselle;
- $300,000 for two special lines in the College of Health and Nursing Sciences, including $100,000 for health services policy research to help state and local governments define major health policy issues, collect relevant information and develop appropriate policy, and $200,000 for the HEALTH Center Statewide Partnership, an initiative to design cost-effective health-care delivery systems for one of the state's fastest-growing populations-individuals 65 and older;
- $200,000 to support a new initiative in the College of Marine Studies involving two new faculty lines, working specifically in research on marine biosensors that can detect changes in the health of our marine ecosystems; and
- $100,000 for a new marine transportation initiative in the College of Marine Studies that will assist the federal government in developing appropriate policy for ensuring a competitive and environmentally safe marine transportation system, while also protecting the quality of Delaware waters.
At the presentation, Roselle also will voice his support for a state Department of Education request for funding for UDLib/SEARCH Online Periodicals and Encyclopedias for Delaware's public K-12 schools.
"Implementation of this request significantly expands student access to a broad spectrum of reference materials, while at the same time saving school district funds by eliminating duplicative subscriptions.
"This is not simply sound business practice; it is an investment in the state's intellectual capital," according to Roselle.
President requests support for physical plant
University of Delaware President David P. Roselle will today outline UD's request for $11.45 million in capital funds in support of numerous construction projects that include renovation and renewal of several major facilities on the Newark campus.
The top priority request is $4 million to complete the $13 million renovation of Townsend Hall, home of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The ongoing project-now in its third year- focuses on renovation of all offices and laboratories to meet the expanding needs of the college, which was last renovated in 1967. Mechanical, electrical and communications systems are being updated, and handicapped accessibility and life safety code issues are being addressed. To date, the state has contributed $7.5 million to this renovation.
Other capital requests include:
- $4.5 million as the first installment of a $21.5 million request to the state toward the $25 million renovation and renewal of Wolf Hall, which was constructed in 1916 and is-historically and architecturally-one of the most significant buildings on UD's central Mall. The proposed project would completely renovate the building to comply with current codes and standards, including the upgrade of teaching laboratories and classrooms to incorporate current technology, replacement of mechanical systems, installation of new windows, improved handicapped accessibility and upgraded life safety systems;
- $1 million for building renewal and renovation projects, including continuing enhancements to the Carpenter Sports Building, which houses the Department of Health and Exercise Sciences and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Services. Built in 1942, this building is heavily used by students, faculty, staff and the community throughout the year. Planned renovations include asbestos abatement and improvements to the HVAC, lighting, electrical, emergency power, roofing, security and fire protection systems;
- $1 million for equipment targeted to the biotechnology and genetic/molecular biology programs, including research equipment, facilities and instructional materials;
- $250,000 to stabilize the shoreline on the Lewes/Rehoboth Canal, east of the University's marine operations facility;
- $300,000 for improvements to Delaware Stadium, home of the Fightin' Blue Hens football team, to replace the wooden south grandstand with a new aluminum one and to enhance access to the stadium; and
- $400,000 to install a new outdoor track that will meet NCAA specifications and improve the drainage systems for the track and infield.
"The University's campus has never looked better," according to Roselle. "It consistently receives high marks on student satisfaction surveys and is a source of great pride for our faculty, staff and alumni as well."
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