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President addresses finances, construction
By Brian Alexander
On April 15, 2012
Buffalo State President Aaron Podelefsky gave his second annual State of the College
Address last Thursday in Rockwell Hall.
Podelefsky focused on the college's finances, the value of higher education and
providing students with a transformative experience.
As Podelefsky took the audience through a number of charts and graphs, he noted
that state funds for public higher education have been on the decline for the past
20 years. According to the data, New York ranks only 34th out of 50 states in public
dollars spent on operating costs and, based on the trend, New York's appropriations
spending is set to bottom out around 2030.
The college is seeking to solve this problem with a new maintenance of effort
clause, modest use of reserves, a major fundraising initiative and a shared services
initiative with UB. Podelefsky said modifications made to the January and summer
terms have already allowed the college to save $1 million, and the rational tuition
plan SUNY passed last spring will help out with this as well.
All the while, Podelefsky assured the audience that academic quality would not be
compromised.
"In developing an all-funds budget approach, we want to assure all the places
we take in money from get used in strategy to go toward our core mission," he
said. "We'll have a lot of consultation. We won't be doing anything to destroy our
institution."
Despite a decline in funding, Podelefsky said it is important to make a distinction
between the cost of an education and the price students pay. Although less funding
means students have to pay a little more, he said the cost to produce a graduate has
stayed relatively static over the years, effectively beating inflation.
"People forget that at Buffalo State, we still only charge $5,270 for tuition,"
Podelefsky said. "I'm fond of saying you can get a college education for the price of a
Chevy. How do you want to invest in your son or daughter's future? Do you want to
buy a car that will depreciate, or do you want to help them get a college education
and have their lives appreciate?"
Buffalo State is third overall among SUNY four-year institutions in Pell Grant
eligibility at 57 percent. The only colleges that have higher rates are in the City
University of New York system.
Given the financial background of many of Buffalo State's students, Podelefsky said
it would be important to balance value with affordability to provide the best college
experience possible. One way he illustrated this point was with use of the "iron
triangle of education," referring to quality, access and cost.
"To be above the median income in this country, you need a college degree," he
said. "We know for our students this is not insignificant."
Ongoing and upcoming construction projects were also among the topics Podelefsky
discussed. He said in addition to current projects like the new science building,
technology building and renovations in the Campbell Student Union and Rockwell
Hall, the college is planning to renovate the Scajaquada Towers, Campus West,
Upton Hall and Houston Gym. He mentioned the college is considering replacing its
65-year-old power plant and building a second student apartment complex as well.
"Obviously, this is a challenging time for the State of New York and this college,"
said psychology professor Howard Reid. "It seems it always is. As Dr. Podelefsky has
made clear, this is also a time of great opportunity."
Podelefsky also announced the 2012-2013 academic year will be known as the Year
of the City. Mark Severson, dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences and
coordinator of Year of the City, said the college will use this as a way to publicize the
work Buffalo State does in the community.
"We have several urban initiatives we are involved in that we really need to get the
word out about," he said. "This will help to support these initiatives and support
them for the future."
"One of the things we're going to be trying to do is engage external organizations,"
said Tim Walsh, associate vice president for college relations. "We want to involve
more people from the community with the campus so we can highlight our key
attributes and why people come to Buffalo."
Ultimately, Podelefsky said he's hoping these efforts will go toward making Buffalo
State the best it can be.
"I want to be a nationally recognized comprehensive university by offering small
college learning environments coupled with large university opportunities,"
Podelefsky said. "That's our niche, that's my dream. So I hope you can all help me
achieve my dream."
Brian Alexander can be reached by email at alexander.record@live.com.
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