MU Extension program sees cuts, realignments
The realignments will result in a 15.7 percent decrease in the program's budget.
Published Nov. 9, 2010
Chancellor Brady Deaton and Provost Brian Foster announced realignments to the MU Extension e-learning program Monday, resulting in the reduction of some positions.
Nineteen full-time equivalent Telecenter positions will be eliminated, and it is possible, but not guaranteed, some could be hired somewhere else within the extension program, Banken said.
“In these difficult budget times, I think it is important to be proactive in determining where and how limited resources will be deployed,” MU Extension Director Michael Ouart said. “We are taking this opportunity to take charge of our future, for the benefit of the people of Missouri.”
Additionally, these moves will result in an approximate 20 percent reduction in MU Extension’s budget.
“The university is continually looking at ways to increase efficiencies and optimize resources,” MU spokeswoman Mary Jo Banken said in an e-mail. “In addition, as we look forward to our next fiscal year, we are hearing from the state that it will be another lean year for higher education in the state.”
Banken said MU will also end its partnership with the TeleCenter Network in an effort to reduce the program’s overall budget but still focus on its top priorities: increasing Missouri’s economic development and creating jobs for its citizens.
According to a news release, MU Extension will invest in other technologies to make learning more accessible and responsive to the needs of Missouri citizens.
In a news release, Deaton said in difficult economic times, MU continues to examine its programs, structure and operations to ensure all resources are being used most efficiently.
“MU Extension will continue its long history of providing local programs to Missouri’s citizens that help create healthier families, more businesses, better communities, stronger agriculture and an overall better quality of life,” Deaton said.
Programs Deaton are referring to include FastTrac NewVenture, the Old North Partnership and Community Grocery and My Activity Pyramid.
Realignments in progress include transferring MU’s public radio stations and the University Concert Series into MU’s Office of Administrative Services. The Missouri Film Office will move into the Office of the Vice Provost for Economic Development.
These realignments will result in a 15.7 percent reduction in its budget. Former MU Extension director Tom Henderson will lead the realignment for the Center for Distance and Independent Study and MU Direct.
“Meetings have been occurring about this for several weeks,” Banken said. “I'm not sure how many. The three major realignments from MU Extension to other MU campus administrative units will be effective Dec. 1, 2010.”
These cuts come in anticipation to a reduction in the state’s base support to higher education next year, up to $2.7 million. Additional cost savings should accrue through both on- and off-campus reductions.