Recent developments regarding 2007–09 appropriation, December PROBE report, and work plan progress

January 17, 2007
Contact: communications@ihets.org

On behalf of the IHETS staff, greetings and best wishes for a promising, productive new year! As we begin our 40th year of operation, the board and its operating committees are actively directing the implementation of work plans to strengthen and improve the organization and its services.

Late last year, the Indiana Commission on Higher Education (ICHE) recommended that IHETS’ 2007–09 appropriation request be approved. In this request, the board approved a request of $4.8 million and $4.9 million, respectively, with a three percent increase each year of the biennium.

The request has moved to the next stage in the approval process. Althouth the final appropriation is undetermined, a report issued earlier this month to the State Budget Committee includes $2.8 million in FY 2008 and $2.9 million in FY 2009 for IHETS.

In a separate but related action, the budget contains a new line item in Indiana University’s budget for the “Indiana Higher Education Network.” Originally built, operated, and managed by IHETS, the network was transitioned to Indiana University late last year.

The IHETS Executive Committee is working with Dr. William D. Kramer, IHETS’ interim director, in exploring ways to communicate to the legislative leadership the plans and budget needs of IHETS.

An IHETS response to OMB’s December 2006 PROBE report has been approved by the executive committee and will soon be distributed to select House leaders and legislative staff. The response will address a reported $4 million IHETS fund balance that, in fact, does not exist as well as general misperceptions and a lack of understanding about the consortium.

The work plans have been progressing over the past weeks and, when complete, will inform the board’s consideration of which existing, enhanced, and/or new services are most needed by and valuable to consortium members. When we have a better idea of what centrally managed and supported services will be offered, we will create a business model based on those services.

In the next issue of this newsletter, we will continue to keep you informed about the latest developments related to these and other issues.

Regards,

Jeff Pittman, Chancellor
Ivy Tech Community College–Wabash Valley
Chair, IHETS Finance Committee
Member, IHETS Board of Directors