Gail,
I have asked for continuous funding for several reasons. First, computers in an office such as Institutional Effectiveness need to be upgraded more frequently due to the processing power needed to run software such as SAS, GIS, WebFocus etc. While most computer users will never need to worry about processing power, these type of operations need upgrades on a regular basis. At both previous institutions specific machines were ordered that could handle an increase in processing and at least three or four a year (out of an office of 10 at one institution) were upgraded each year. The last machines ordered for example were quoted out around $2,500 each with two solid state drives and processing power to match for each PC. Even at three machines replaced each year it is $7,500 per year. Older machines can be given to other departments that may need newer equipment with more power than they have in their current inventory. Secondly, as Greg Paveza said it best in the meeting, I am asking for what I slated to receive initially at $1,119,838 instead of the $945,984 I am operating at currently which does allow my area to be fully staffed to handle what this department is tasked effectively to accomplish by the Cabinet. For example, I am currently trying to hire in 2 student workers to bolster manpower requirements needed for the data warehouse project which is understaffed. That is coming out of what little I have to work with for Goods and Services. If I am not granted the $25K I am asking for, those options are eliminated for me to assist in completing critical project. Between this request of $25K and the second request of $136,324 (if that is approved), that still leaves the department $12,530 cut from the original $1,119,838 slated to be received by the department. I would not be putting in a request for any additional funds if I had my original $1,119,838 budget allocated to the department. Third, professional development and training are essential for an Institutional Effectiveness department. For example, technology changes at such a rapid rate that ongoing training is essential. Training and professional development is also essential to keep personnel informed on the latest federal and state regulations that change for reporting requirements that change yearly (e.g. IPEDS). For example the Association of Institution Research (AIR) and the regional counterpart the institutional belongs to RMAIR and PNAIR, all do IPEDS workshops along with presentations on Institutional Research topics and accreditation subjects used to better serve the institution. Understanding federal reporting, state reporting, accreditation and program specific accreditation requirements is critical to maintain the university’s compliance for reporting.
Sincerely,
Nick
Dr. Nicolas A. Valcik Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness Central Washington University Received via email 2/22/18
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