At its October 15, 2021 meeting, the Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved the University’s FY2022 operating budget, FY2023 operating and capital requests, service and maintenance contract extensions, and a number of campus renovation and repair projects. The full resolutions for these and other action items are available on the Board of Trustees website.
FY2022 operating budget
The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved the University’s annual operating budget of $556.8 million for FY2022. During its May 2021 meeting, the Board authorized expenditures from tentative budget allocations before state appropriations for FY2022 were known.
FY2023 operating and capital requests
The Board of Trustees also approved an FY2023 appropriated operating budget request of $79.9 million and a capital appropriation request of $490.6 million. The requests are based on the University’s strategic plan, Educate Connect Elevate, and will allow the University to address critical statewide goals for higher education.
The FY2023 appropriated operating budget request represents a $10.2 million (14.7%) increase over the current state appropriation of $69.6 million. The additional requested funds would be put toward faculty and staff compensation, student financial aid, support for non-traditional students and post-secondary attainment equity, as well expansion efforts of high need disciplines within the state of Illinois.
The FY2023 capital appropriation request of $490.6 million includes $450.2 million for six major, long-term capital improvement projects and $40.4 million for capital renewal projects. The proposed capital projects include construction of an Engineering Building, a new Mennonite College of Nursing Building, the replacement of Thomas Metcalf School and University High School, the replacement of DeGarmo Hall, and the renovation of Williams Hall.
Service and maintenance contract extensions
Trustees approved a five-year contract extension with TouchNet Information Systems Inc. for e-commerce services, with a total cost not to exceed $1.8 million. The provided services allow students to access their electronic billing statements, view current account activity, and make electronic payments in real-time.
Trustees authorized the University to enter into a six-month extension of its current agreement with Connect Transit for the period of January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022, for an amount not to exceed $289,068. The extended contract with Connect Transit allows students, faculty, and staff to use their Redbird Card ID to access fixed route, regularly published public transportation service throughout the Bloomington-Normal community, including the University campus.
Approval was also given to a five-year contract renewal with Otis Elevator Company at a cost not to exceed $3.3 million. The contract covers repair and maintenance of more than 100 passenger elevators, freight elevators, and vertical lift systems throughout campus.
Renovations and repairs
Trustees authorized a capital project to improve and upgrade the classrooms in the Center for the Visual Arts (CVA) Rotunda Classroom Building at a total cost not to exceed $9 million. The project will include renovation of classroom spaces and upgrades to HVAC, lighting, fire safety systems, and data ports and cabling for classroom technology.
Approval was given for replacement of the DeGarmo Hall Plaza deck. The $3.1 million project will address the deterioration of the concrete plaza deck and subsequent water leakage into classroom and office spaces in the basement level of the building.
The Board authorized a project to renovate the Watterson Dining Commons servery area for a cost not to exceed $5.35 million. The renovations will include replacing flooring in all servery and seating areas, and replacing all millwork, furniture, finishes, graphics, and lighting.
Approval was given to renovations to the activity room in the Bowling and Billiards Center to create the ISU Esports Gaming Center and Arena. The project, with a budget not to exceed $5.95 million, will include the creation of varsity e-sports competition rooms, administrative support spaces, upgraded restroom facilities, and a new building entry canopy.
Trustees also signed off on a project for roof replacement on the Cardinal Court student housing complex. The project, with a budget not to exceed $1.025 million, will include full replacement of asphalt shingles and shingle underlayment on all five buildings in the complex.
Certificates of participation
Trustees authorized the issuance of a series of certificates of participation to finance previously approved capital improvement projects on campus. The certificates, not to exceed an aggregate principal amount of $15.3 million, will be used to finance renovations and upgrades to the first floor of Milner Library, the first floor of Julian Hall, the first and third floors of Cook Hall, and the ISU Weavers Building. Those projects, previously approved by Trustees, will provide required temporary accommodation space to facilitate the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Rehabilitation Project.
Land purchase
Trustees authorized the University to purchase property at 701 N. Main St. in Normal for a total price not to exceed $175,000, plus reasonable closing and related costs. The property is adjacent to current Ilinois State-owned facilities. The University is evaluating future use for this strategic property.
Welcome desk, Room namings
Trustees approved naming the Executive Classroom in the State Farm Hall of Business as the Robert and Julie Dobski Executive Classroom in recognition of the Dobskis’ financial gift in support of Illinois State University.
Approval was given to naming the Welcome Desk in the Bone Student Center as the Dr. Larry and Marlene Dietz Welcome Desk in honor of President Emeritus Larry Dietz and Marlene Dietz. Personal financial gifts from the ISU Foundation Board of Directors support the naming.
Trustees also authorized minor wording changes to previously approved named rooms in the University’s Multicultural Center: the Alma V. Samuels Family Room, the Dr. Frank Naeymi-Rad and Dr. Theresa A. Kepic Multipurpose Room, and the Charles J. “Jack” and GeJuan Cardwell Multipurpose Room.
