“Beer Stein’s Theory of Complex Issues and Relative Funding”

“Beer Stein’s Theory of Complex Issues and Relative Funding” Created by Stacey Bartlett In response, in part, to questions and concerns regarding waitlists, enrollment management, section reductions, FTES, the 1300 account, parking and traffic pattern changes and hassles, pedagogical cap philosophical debates and cultural norms, and the increasing demands on faculty. Plus, I found myself with a lot of extra time on my hands between midnight and 4am. Presented to the Chair/Coordinator Group & The Academic Senate Fall 2010 Another fine quality Keep It Simple Stacey Production!

“Dealing with complexity is an inefficient and unnecessary waste of time, attention and mental energy. There is never any justification for things being complex when they could be simple.”Edward de BonoFYI: This is one of Stacey’s favorite quotations.

“For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.” H.L. Mencken FYI: This is one of Kenneth Bearden’s favorite quotations. …yet, he and stacey get along so well! Like 6 and pack.

This is not simple but perhaps we can agree to a simple understanding of its complexity. So, please don’t get *me wrong. Waitlists, Enrollment Management, 1300 Account, FTES and Ped Caps Show me the money! *The word “get” was added in response to those of you who are not comfortable with using the more stylistic, “cry in your beer blues” vernacular. I suggest everyone try the phrase out loud both ways and make an individual choice. That’s all I’m sayin’!

Understanding FundingA beer drinkers guide to the complex • How we are funded: • We receive funds for a specific percentage of FTES growth • Under that percentage and we lose out on funds • It’s as if you could have had a full beer, but the barkeep only filled your mug part way---rip off! 3% Percentage of FTES we are actually paid for—this year about 2.25%--a nice full pint but we are trying for 3% so as not to leave a drop behind. A difficult task indeed! 2.25%

A little foam is good but you know what they say about too much of a good thing! 3% Too much just spills over! It’s like paying for beer you don’t even get to drink! The additional FTES over the specific % is not funded and therefore the expenses associated with that overage amount come out of pocket. 2.25% Unfunded growth

Question: When does 3+3 become 1300? 3% Targeted Foam Amount 3% Unfunded Growth Foam ANSWER: When there’s too much foam in your beer! But not always because ….

Wow, you can really hold your beer! • From summer to fall and winter to spring sometimes you hold it and then use it later. • It’s challenging but good beer is worth it!

When good beer goes bad… 2 When the Has schedule

A few previews to catch us up • Previously : • We talked about waitlists and the value as strategic enrollment management tool--- • Needs some tweaking • Other reports also provide insight • For what purpose will it be used other than classroom management? Strategic cuts or adds? • We talked about the deficit in the 1300 account • From aprox $2mil to $800,000 in the hole • But, still in the hole • We talked about the 6% FTES growth and the 3% target which brings us to ….

Today’s Discussion • FACT: We have cut some winter session and some spring sections in order to move toward the 3% target FTES rate and also in order to balance the 1300 account. • FACT: As a norm, we have grown accustomed to taking over ped caps. • Before we look at how these two relate…

First, let’s understand our cultureThe way we were… • Back in the day, encouraged by administration and by our own survival instincts, we were chasing after FTES as though it was elusive and wily game! • This is called the “Ooh, I got one!” syndrome. • Sadly, many faculty still proudly suffer with this syndrome and can be seen counting the seats in the quest for “the elusive and wily game.” They have yet to realize we are currently part of the game preserve.

Next, the way we are… • Today, encouraged by our own conviction, moral code, sense of responsibility, democratic sensibility, and of course, soft hearts, we have been compelled as though called upon personally by a stray kitty stranded in the rain in the middle of Durham-Pentz. • This is called the “Oh, just one more” syndrome • This is also encouraged by administration Not confirmed , but “Hello Kitty” is interested in sponsoring a few of us faculty. Also, rumors are surfacing of an alliance with the Humane Society suggesting that talks are underway for certain over-enrolled sections. Again, this is not confirmed and may in fact be completely random humor. Or, a random attempt at humor.

Thus, as a cultural norm, “we take over cap” • What does it mean? • Short term • Long term • Term to term And the discussion continues…. Coming to a KISS Production near you— “Dr. Data” aka “KB” aka “SLO Guy” Dr. Kenneth Bearden Will present actual numbers. Yep, real ones. Kind of exciting.

THE ENDShould have got a 12 pack “Beer is living proof that god loves us.” Benjamin Franklin This presentation was updated for clarity (& fun) with few minor changes after the Academic Senate meeting. sb

“Beer Stein’s Theory of Complex Issues and Relative Funding”