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WVC Budget FAQs and Answers
July 8, 2009
To ask a budget question that is not answered here, go to the WVC Student Online Forum.
What do we know so far about next year's budget for WVC?
Wenatchee Valley College will offer a full schedule of classes next year, barring additional budget reductions from the state.The college considered every class and service, and the infrastructure needed to offer them, as it identified more than $1.7 million in cuts for this year (2009-10). The new budget reductions include a combination of not filling vacancies from retirements and resignations; layoffs and reduced hours in certain positions; some reassignments; and efficiencies in goods and services, equipment, and travel. The college was funded for 2,531 annualized full-time-equivalent (FTE) enrollments for 2008-09 and served 2,588 (one annualized FTE is the equivalent of a student taking three five-credit classes each quarter for three quarters). The budget will be presented to the WVC Board of Trustees on July 15.
Has funding been found to start a new class of nursing students this fall?
A new class of nursing students at the Wenatchee Valley College Omak campus will start this fall thanks to up to $200,000 in federal stimulus funds. The use of Workforce Investment funds was approved by the Workforce Development Council at a meeting in Wenatchee on May 19, 2009, subject to WVC admitting at least 16 qualified students eligible under stimulus fund criteria. The money, allocated to SkillSource, will pay the expenses of the program and tuition for one year. Students whose income is above the moderate income threshold will be able to enter the program by paying their own tuition. More . . .
Why was the decision made to go to self-support classes this summer?
By moving the classes from state support to self support, the college will be able to serve more students during the academic year (fall, winter and spring quarters). Tuition pays for only part of the expenses to offer a class; self-support fees pay all the expenses. Not spending state funds for classes in the summer allows the college to offer more classes next year.
Are there plans to close the Omak campus?
No. Serving educational needs of the communities and residents of Okanogan County is part of our mission. The Omak campus plays a significant and valuable role in meeting that mission.
Why is the college building a residence hall during these economic times? Can't the money be used for other things, like classes and salaries? How will the hall be maintained?
On behalf of WVC, the state treasurer sold a certificate of participation (COP) to finance the building and furnishing of the residence hall. All monies from this COP sale (basically a bond sale) must be used for the residence hall. The COP is to be paid back over a 20-year period with equal semi-annual payments. The payments will be made from the revenue generated from tenants, conferences and other special events. The payments will not come from Operating Funds.
The design, awarding of bids, and construction of the hall began before the economic crisis was revealed. Even if we stopped the construction, we would be required to pay the contractor.
The residence hall will give a low-cost housing option for our students.
How much does the college receive for the Running Start program and what is the money used for? Where does the money come from?
In 2007-08, WVC received $1.17 million for approximately 350 Running Start students. (Running Start students are high school juniors or seniors taking college classes). This year, the number of Running Start students is around 450. The income pays for salaries for the two Running Start staff members and general college expenses, including more than $800,000 for faculty. The school districts pay a fee for each student, based on the number of credits. Running Start students must pay fees such as computer and fitness lab fees, as well as travel and book costs.
Is WVC required to admit Running Start students? Can the college limit the number?
WVC must admit Running Start students. Running Start is a state-mandated program created by the Washington State Legislature. State regulations don't allow the college to limit the number of Running Start students. The students must be considered the same as other students attending WVC.
Click here for more Running Start FAQs
How much money is spent on WVC athletics?
For 2008-2009, WVC allocated about $217,000 of state funds to athletics (including $20,000 in student jobs), which is about .9% of the college state funds budget. The Associated Students of WVC contributed $184,000, and private sources (money raised by the Knight Booster Club and individual athletic team fundraisers) gave approximately $175,000. Nearly 140 student-athletes participate in WVC athletics.
If you have questions or comments, please e-mail krshannon@wvc.edu.
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