THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, February 13, 1996 TAG: 9602140565
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PHILIP WALZER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
Old Dominion and Norfolk State universities are among a handful of colleges most in need of increases in state aid, said a report issued Monday.
The study, from the State Council of Higher Education, showed that among state-supported doctoral universities, ODU had the lowest average personnel expenditure per student, at $5,711. That figure takes into account wages and fringe benefits for all university workers.
The next-lowest was George Mason's $6,042.
Norfolk State had the second-highest ratio of students per employee - 9.1 - of any four-year school. Only James Madison University's was higher, at 9.2.
Though NSU's average personnel cost per student fell in the middle range of four-year schools, it had one of the lowest ``nonpersonal service expenditures per student.'' For instance, it spends $269 on equipment per student, less than any other four-year school.
The report, commissioned by the General Assembly, was released as the state Senate and House appropriations panels get into high gear preparing their budget plans. The committees are to release their proposals Sunday.
Gov. George F. Allen has proposed more than $100 million in additional college aid for day-to-day operations over the next two years, but the schools are lobbying for an extra $340 million.
In recent years, ODU, Norfolk State and George Mason have been vocal in seeking money to address inequities. The study shows that ``the ones who have been complaining have a case,'' said Donald J. Finley, associate director of the state council, but ``maybe not as much of a case as they have been arguing.''
Finley said colleges should not end up with identical figures: ``Variations are to be expected. . . . We're not starting with the idea that it's wrong for two numbers to be different.''
For example, Virginia Military Institute and Virginia Tech have the most resources because of their emphasis on science, which requires small classes and expensive equipment. VMI also allots $2,000 per student each year, Finley said, solely for military costs, such as uniforms.
But he added, ``Some institutions appear to be unduly disadvantaged.'' The others cited in the study include George Mason, JMU, Radford and the state community college system. The average personnel cost per student at community colleges is $3,366, 30 percent less than at any four-year school.
The General Assembly is expected to approve a bill, proposed by Del. Alan A. Diamonstein, D-Newport News, to ask the state council to study ways to boost funding for the two-year schools. ``We know it's an issue,'' Gordon K. Davies, director of the state council, said Monday. ``We know it's there and needs to be addressed.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphics
HOW VIRGINIA COLLEGES STACK UP IN FUNDING
KEN WRIGHT/The Virginian-Pilot
SOURCE: State Council of Higher Education
[For complete graphic, please see microfilm]
NUMBER CRUNCHING
Gov. George F. Allen has proposed more than $100 million in added
college aid for day-to-day operations over the next two years.
The colleges and universities are lobbying for an extra $340
million.
by CNB