The University of Connecticut burdened the state with an estimated $77 million in “unnecessary interest costs” when it secured financing 19 months ago for a new ambulatory services center in at the UConn Health Center in Farmington, the state auditors of public accounts reported Wednesday.
Higher Education
Posted inEducation, Politics
Sponsors vow to reintroduce ‘yes means yes’ legislation
Co-sponsors of a bill that would require all Connecticut colleges and universities to adopt an affirmative-consent policy for sexual assault investigations say they will reintroduce the legislation next year. The law would change the way schools investigate sexual assault complaints by shifting the burden of proof to the accused to show the sexual activity was consensual.
Posted inEducation, Politics
Board of Regents planning for departure of its president
The Board of Regents for Higher Education, the governing board of the state’s largest public college system, is planning for the departure of its embattled president, Gregory Gray. It is unclear if the board intends to force his departure, but sources say they already have identified at least one candidate for interim CEO.
Posted inEducation, Politics
Ojakian to leave as Malloy’s chief of staff
Mark Ojakian, the chief of staff to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy since the second year of the Malloy administration, is stepping down later this year. But he may not be entirely departing: A source close to the governor said Ojakian will remain “a close adviser.” His name already has surfaced for an interim post in higher education.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
UConn’s closed budget discussion violated the Freedom Of Information Act
Did the University of Connecticut’s recent “behind closed doors” budget discussion violate the state’s Freedom Of Information Act? Answer: Yes. Here’s why…
Posted inEducation
CSCU travels bumpy road to smooth a path for student transfers
Three years after state legislators ordered the state’s largest public college system to set up a way for community college students to transfer to a regional Connecticut state university without losing credits, higher education officials report they can see the finish line.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
CT Hospital tax policy can have unintended consequence
Much has been said about the impact of corporate tax increases on corporations that are major employers in Connecticut, and their potential relocation to more tax-friendly states. Debate on the impact on hospitals has focused on CEO compensation and past profit margins. This focus misses an important fact; the role hospitals play in training the next generation of physicians for the state.
Posted inEducation, Money
The state of UConn in 15 charts
The University of Connecticut has been undergoing tremendous growth recently — partly evidenced by the $1.3 billion budget officials adopted last week. Here, in graphical form, is a historical overview of where the public university gets and spends its money, who it enrolls, and how many it employs.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
A dissenting voice in UConn Alumni Assoc. dissolution vote
I have never believed that the University of Connecticut’s interests in seizing control of the Alumni Association was about its assets. But if this is not the case, why has the university worked so hard in recent days to ask alumni to vote yes when it already has assumed responsibilities for alumni activities?
Posted inEducation
Legislators urge more open UConn budget process
A day after the University of Connecticut’s Board of Trustees adopted a $1.3 billion budget after discussing it privately for 90 minutes but not in public, three state legislators urged greater transparency in the university’s budget process.
Posted inEducation
UConn trustees adopt $1.3 billion budget with no public discussion
With no discussion in public, the University of Connecticut’s governing board Wednesday adopted a nearly $1.3 billion budget that increases the school’s spending by $103.7 million — almost 9 percent.
Posted inEducation
CSCU seeking to streamline management structure
The Board of Regents is looking to private consultants to evaluate the duties of 296 Connecticut State College and University system employees in an effort to steamline job classifications.
Posted inEducation
14 past presidents urge saving UConn alumni association
University of Connecticut President Susan Herbst received a letter Friday from 14 past presidents of the university’s alumni association urging her to reconsider her decision to sever the school’s relationship with the organization and consolidate alumni relations under the UConn Foundation.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Frustrated by spending priorities at Three Rivers Community College
The students of Three Rivers Community College are frustrated with the way money is being spent at our school, while we, the students, continue to lack support for our community outreach projects that not only better our own educations, but support the school’s efforts to be an example of good stewardship, sustainability, and to benefit our community.
Posted inEducation
State funding boost helps, but still leaves UConn with deficit
The University of Connecticut informed students and faculty Friday that, despite $10.9 million in increased support in the state budget next year, cuts will still be needed to close an $18.3 million deficit in the university budget.