Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees authorized University officials to expend funds from tentative budget allocations until the Board approves an FY2017 operating budget. FY2017 state appropriations are not yet known and the Board of Trustees must therefore defer final approval of an FY2017 operating budget. The action allows the University to meet its FY2017 financial obligations beginning July 1.

The Board of Trustees approved an agreement with Connect Transit to provide bus transportation services. Faculty, staff, and students who present their ISU Redbird Card can ride free of charge on any Connect Transit route. Monthly payments are made by the University to Connect Transit to cover the cost. The Board approved a payment of $532,000 for FY2017. Funding for the transit contract comes from student fee revenues.

Board members also authorized the University to contract with an outside vendor to provide e-commerce services. Illinois State has solicited competitive bids from vendors to provide services for integrated student billing, secure payment transmission and online e-commerce transactions. The Board approved $1.2 million dollars for a contract with the successful vendor that would run through June 30, 2021. Money for the contract comes from general revenue operating funds.