College Budget Hearings
Significant learning points:
Budget Director (11/14/13)
Dr. George’s presentation focused on the fact that Delaware tech serves all of Delaware by offering responsive and relevant programs, leveraging partnerships with other schools and businesses, maximizing resources, and supporting the community. He emphasized that 70% of our students graduate debt free and that 94% of our graduates are either employed or continuing their education at a senior institution. After Dr. George’s presentation, the Office of Management and Budget staff asked questions and not all of them were from the content of the presentation. It was interesting to see how Dr. George and President’s Council fielded the questions based on their different areas of expertise.
In the meeting that followed his presentation, Dr. George emphasized the importance of “staying on message” and making sure everyone knows the Delaware Tech story. We also had an opportunity to meet with Ann Visalli, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. She explained the difficulties of trying to balance the “door opener” needs of all the state agencies with requests for new programs and expansion of services.
Joint Finance Committee (2/18/14)
The presentation to the Joint Finance Committee was the same presentation that was giving during the budget hearings, but there was an added emphasis on addressing the governor’s recommendations and initiatives. Specifically, Dr. George talked about how we created or expanded programs to address the workforce needs of the state in areas such as aviation, law enforcement, paramedics, building automation systems, and accelerated nursing. He asked the committee to consider identifying a stable and reliable funding sources for nursing and allied health positions that are currently funded through a tobacco settlement, funding to enhance our public safety staff, and funding to increase instructional and operational support. He also thanked the committee for their continued support of the SEED scholarship program.
Joint Bond Bill Committee (3/5/14)
Again, this was a similar presentation as the one given to the Joint Finance Committee, but the end of the presentation focused on the bond needs and prioritized the building projects on each campus. Since this was Dr. George’s last appearance before this committee, he took an opportunity to thank them for all of their support throughout the years. The legislators and senators each opened their questions and/or comments with compliments or expressions of gratitude to Dr. George for his many years of service to the College and to the State.
Dr. George’s presentation focused on the fact that Delaware tech serves all of Delaware by offering responsive and relevant programs, leveraging partnerships with other schools and businesses, maximizing resources, and supporting the community. He emphasized that 70% of our students graduate debt free and that 94% of our graduates are either employed or continuing their education at a senior institution. After Dr. George’s presentation, the Office of Management and Budget staff asked questions and not all of them were from the content of the presentation. It was interesting to see how Dr. George and President’s Council fielded the questions based on their different areas of expertise.
In the meeting that followed his presentation, Dr. George emphasized the importance of “staying on message” and making sure everyone knows the Delaware Tech story. We also had an opportunity to meet with Ann Visalli, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. She explained the difficulties of trying to balance the “door opener” needs of all the state agencies with requests for new programs and expansion of services.
Joint Finance Committee (2/18/14)
The presentation to the Joint Finance Committee was the same presentation that was giving during the budget hearings, but there was an added emphasis on addressing the governor’s recommendations and initiatives. Specifically, Dr. George talked about how we created or expanded programs to address the workforce needs of the state in areas such as aviation, law enforcement, paramedics, building automation systems, and accelerated nursing. He asked the committee to consider identifying a stable and reliable funding sources for nursing and allied health positions that are currently funded through a tobacco settlement, funding to enhance our public safety staff, and funding to increase instructional and operational support. He also thanked the committee for their continued support of the SEED scholarship program.
Joint Bond Bill Committee (3/5/14)
Again, this was a similar presentation as the one given to the Joint Finance Committee, but the end of the presentation focused on the bond needs and prioritized the building projects on each campus. Since this was Dr. George’s last appearance before this committee, he took an opportunity to thank them for all of their support throughout the years. The legislators and senators each opened their questions and/or comments with compliments or expressions of gratitude to Dr. George for his many years of service to the College and to the State.
Leadership characteristics enhanced:
The
primary leadership characteristic that was enhanced for me through this
activity was #8 - Is able to see the "Big Picture." The budget hearings really helped me
understand the needs of the College as a whole rather than the needs of just
the Owens campus. This process demonstrated how it is important that we follow
through on our end by showing that we spend wisely the money that we receive
and that we are a good investment for the State. The College clearly has a positive
relationship with the legislators and maintaining that relationship through
transparency and accountability is key to our continued success.