PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University’s Board of Regents approved the university’s budget allocations for 2001-02 at its meeting today (Aug. 31) on the WSU campus. Regents were asked to support WSU’s decisions on the allocation of some $287 million of state funds to the university.
WSU President V. Lane Rawlins reminded board members that the budget was the result of the university’s planning process.
Colleges and other areas developed their priorities. During spring hearings, the units and the university’s budget committee decided how best to spend their allocation in order to meet the goals.
Regents also approved the list of items the university is expected to seek in its 2002 supplemental budget request.
WSU officials plan to ask for legislative support for its increasing energy costs, maintenance and utilities costs, and campus security improvements against eco-terrorist acts. Also under discussion is a university request for additional research funding that could help the current agricultural crisis and support to expand 4-H development programs. State support also is needed in order that the university can expand the number of Washington students accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Board members approved a recommendation to extend the Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture with a tree fruit option to WSU’s Wenatchee Learning Center. The degree will make the baccalaureate program available to place bound students who complete the lower division program at Wenatchee Valley College, but cannot transfer to the Pullman campus.
Also approved was a recommendation to deliver the Doctor of Education degree with a specialization in educational administration to the Spokane, Tri-Cities and Vancouver campuses beginning in fall 2002.
In other action, regents approved a request to begin construction on an indoor practice facility on the Pullman campus. The facility consists of an air inflated fabric structure over playing surfaces that will support practice for 14 of the 17 Cougar varsity sports. The primary surface will be a rubber floor for track and field practice. A roll-out Astro-turf system will be used for other field sports such as football, soccer and baseball. Construction on the $6.2 million project, funded with private donations, starts this fall. It is expected to be completed by fall 2002.
Regents also approved design documents for redevelopment of Library Road from a street appearance to a pedestrian mall. The project will include art with a water feature located at the intersection of Glenn Terrell Mall and Library Road as well as new site furnishings and signage. Construction on the south end of the project near Fulmer Hall is set for a first phase starting in spring 2002.
The board also approved a university request to purchase property on NE Colorado Street. The building on the property, formerly a Burger King restaurant, will be used by Parking Services and as a satellite police station.
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