Attending the second Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) meeting on August 29, renewed acquaintances with several previous members of the Board of Trustees, who now serve on the HEPC. The Commission chair, secretary and academic policy committee member all were members of the Board of Trustees before it was abolished in June 2000.
The main purpose in my attendance was to give support to the Association of Concerned Classified Employees (ACCE) President, who was invited to address the Commission regarding issues and concerns of classified staff. ACCE President Amy Pitzer appeared before the Commission to out line a number of concerns and recommendations. In particular the issue of appointing a classified staff, student and faculty representative to the HEPC as voting members. This representation would be identical to the voting seats held by these constituents groups under the State College and University Systems.
According to the data provided by consultant William M. Mercer, Inc., as of July 1, 2001 a projected 20.9% funding increase is needed to bring the Classified Staff Salary Schedule to market level. The total estimated cost for implementing this increase is projected at $21.5 million. Also, identified during the HEPC meeting was the need to have staff representation from the HEPC Central Office and the WVNET. The ACCE recommends that term limitation be removed for serving on institutional board of governors.
During the HEPC finance meeting commission members discussed the studies completed by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS). The study showed that the full cost of implementing SB 653 is approximately $24 million for the first year of the compact. The commission reported that the full cost would result in a budget increase of approximately 6.2% while the country average is 7.1%.
A proposal that will receive close review is the investment funding of $3.5 million, the recommendation for peer equity funding to bring state institutional base budgets to peer levels. An estimated $2 million is projected for this proposal. The finance committee will consult with campus presidents, NCHEMS, and legislators on the selection of peer institutions to compare our colleges and universities in terms of numerous areas of funding. Those schools below their selected peer levels will receive budget allocation's based on their peer institutions. Collaboration from all parties is most important to ensure that a fair selection is agreed by all parties and approved by NCHEMS.
The next HEPC meeting is scheduled October 2-3, 2000 at WV Northern Community & Technical College. For additional information you can visit the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission web site at www.hepc.wvnet.edu.