VERSAILLES, KY (June 15, 2012) – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Board of Regents approved a 2012-13 budget of $921 million during its quarterly meeting today at the System Office. The budget includes a 3.7 percent increase in tuition for in-state students. The board also adopted KCTCS President Michael B. McCall’s recommendations for a 2.5 percent salary increase for full-time faculty and staff.
“Several years ago, the KCTCS administration and board adopted a conservative budget approach that included the creation of a recurring budget reserve in anticipation of future state budget cuts,” said P.G. Peeples, KCTCS Board of Regents Chair. I applaud Dr. McCall and his staff for their outstanding fiscal acuity and vision.”
The 2.5 percent recurring salary increase will apply to each regular full-time KCTCS faculty/staff member who has met or exceeded their job requirements on their performance evaluations. This increase will be funded using existing funding bases that include the budget reserve and a reallocation of funds.
“It is because of our strong financial stewardship that we are able to compensate faculty and staff financially for their dedication and hard work,” said KCTCS President Michael B. McCall. “I believe it is essential we demonstrate our commitment to employees who play an essential role in accomplishing our goal of transforming lives and transforming Kentucky.”
As part of the 2010 - 2016 KCTCS Business Plan for Transforming Kentucky, the organization adopted funding principles that include reallocation, standardization, realignment, automation, process improvement and outsourcing. These principles are allowing the organization to move forward in preparing students for high wage, high demand and emerging careers in an environment that includes a reduction in state funding.
The board also approved an increase in in-state tuition rates for the 2012-13 academic year from $135 per credit hour to $140. Out-of-state tuition rates approved include a $280 per credit hour rate for out-of-state students from counties contiguous to Kentucky and $490 for all other out-of-state students.
The approved tuition rates are consistent with the parameters established by the Council for Postsecondary Education. These parameters include an in-state tuition rate increase of 3.7 percent and out-of-state rates of at least double in-state rates.
“KCTCS remains committed to providing Kentuckians with a quality education that is both affordable and convenient,” said Peeples. “Our statewide system of 16 colleges and 68 campuses continues to be the best postsecondary education value in the state.”
In other business, the board:
Approved or ratified 204 programs, tracks, certificates and diplomas including these associate in applied science programs:
Approved 14,749 academic credential requests (certificates, diplomas or associate degrees) between January 18, 2012 and April 11, 2012. The credentials include: