A St. Cloud State steering group is making a series of recommendations aimed to help offset the projected $14 million dollar budget shortfall for fiscal year 2012. Most of the recommendations provide opportunities for consolidation and restructuring. The Academic Support, Administrative & Operating Program & Service Appraisal Steering Group (ASAOPSA) issued a 7 page report comprising recommendations regarding student support services, technology, resource allocation and personnel resources at St. Cloud State. Here’s an overview of some of their proposals:

• Consider establishing a one-stop student service unit, combining registration, financial aid, student billing, campus card and other administrative services for students.

• Redesign the advising process to better serve student needs. This redesign would include connections between the Career Services and advising departments.

• Combine the administrative work for the two programs that deliver services to high school students… Continuing Studies and Admissions.

• Consider consolidating health and counseling services on campus.

• Combine the Center for Student Organization and Leadership Development with the University Programming Board.

• Review and evaluate student support centers such as the Women’s Center, the American Indian Center, Multicultural Student Services, the Veterans Center and the LGBT Office.

• Hire a Chief Financial Officer to oversee financial planning and strategic resource allocation.

• Hire a Chief Information Officer and merge the Center for Information Systems with Information Technology Services.

• Review and possibly consolidate some of the university communications and marketing efforts. These organizations include: Athletic Media Relations, University Imaging, Printing Services, Video Services, Admissions, and marketing efforts within colleges.

This is just a sample of ASAOPSA’s recommendations. To view the full list, click here. On January 28th, SCSU President Earl Potter will announce final reorganization decisions. On January 12th and 13th, open forums will be held where the campus community can provide feedback on the recommendations.