SLIPPERY ROCK, PA. College enrollment rises for 2nd year
Trustees also approved SRU's 2002-03 budget and sent its capital budget 'wish list' to the state.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Slippery Rock University enrollment is up for the second year in a row.
President G. Warren Smith told the University Council of Trustees at their quarterly meeting Friday that 7,511 students were counted this week, although official figures will not be available until later this month.
Last fall, the official enrollment of 7,197 marked the first increase in 10 years.
Smith also reported that renovations have begun for a new Community Center for Lifelong & amp; Community Learning. The center will be located in the business district building, which formerly housed the campus television studio.
It will be devoted to business and industry training, short-term workshops, conferences and community enrichment programs.
The center is intended to be an integral part of development of the "Village at Slippery Rock" Main Street revitalization project.
Smith noted that Gov. Mark Schweiker has designated $2 million in capital budget redevelopment assistance to Slippery Rock Development Inc. to help revitalize the borough's core business district adjacent to campus.
Other actions
University officials are helping the effort because they say attractive surroundings help recruit students. The grant is expected to create 400 new jobs in the borough.
Trustees approved a 2002-03 budget with projected expenditures of $74.7 million and revenues of $74.8 million. Smith noted that if cost-containment measures fail to meet expenditures, the shortfall will be made up from the university's reserve fund.
They also sent to the State System of Higher Education a capital budget request of $55.3 million. Major projects the university would like to see funded are a $13 million renovation of the Morrow Field House, a $20 million renovation of the Vincent Science Building and a $5 million building at the North Hills Educational Alliance Facility.
Trustees recommended to the state system board of governors an extension of Smith's contract through June 30, 2004. Smith is in his sixth year as SRU president.
Trustees approved naming the marching band field the Blase Scarnati Field after the former music instructor and director of the university's marching band who retired after 32 years. Scarnati is also known for founding the Musicians' Concert Band, which brings together musicians from Ohio and western Pennsylvania.