SRU trustees advance new engineering program and budget, approve naming resolution
Alfonso Angelucci and other members of the Slippery Rock University council of trustees met, Sept. 27, for their quarterly business meeting.
Sept. 27, 2024
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — A bachelor's degree program in electrical and computer engineering passed an important step to becoming a new major at Slippery Rock University. During the SRU council of trustees' quarterly business meeting, Sept. 27, the council voted to forward the program to the state level for final approval.
The next step is having Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, Office of the Chancellor, approve the program before SRU can proceed with implementation and potentially offer it as soon as fall 2025.
The council also approved the University's proposed fiscal year budget and passed a naming resolution for a safety management classroom, among other executive actions conducted at the quarterly meeting on campus at the Russell Wright Alumni House and Conference Center.
NEW PROGRAM
The Bachelor of Science in electrical and computer engineering would become SRU's sixth engineering program, after the trustees forwarded a proposed construction management program to the chancellor after a special meeting in July.
The proposed electrical and computer engineering program will have 123 credits to complete in mathematics, computer science and basic sciences, as well as engineering topics and a general education component. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and professional skills required to successfully practice as electrical and computer engineers in various industries.
"This program is designed to train students to be problem-solvers with skills in mathematics, creative design, leadership and communication, both verbal and written," said Michael Zieg, SRU provost. "Adding new programs is part of SRU's growth strategy, but more importantly, it is in line with our mission to support the evolving educational and professional needs of the people in our region."
2024-25 BUDGET
The trustees approved the budget proposal for fiscal year 2024-25 with total expenditures of $164 million, a 1.4% increase compared to last year's expenditures. The proposed balanced budget will be forwarded to the Pennsylvania Board of Governors for approval at its next meeting, Oct. 10.
HOLDER CONSTRUCTION CLASSROOM
The trustees approved the naming of a classroom in the Strain Safety Building, Room 203, to the Holder Construction Classroom. One of the nation's largest data center builders, Holder Construction has pledged to provide $100,000 over the next four years to SRU's safety management program. SRU's safety management program has more than 400 students, and several companies like Holder Construction have partnered with SRU to have named spaces in the Strain Safety Building.
OTHER ACTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
In addition to the above executive actions, the trustees approved the order of succession. The order of succession is a plan for executive management that is reviewed and updated each year if the president is temporarily unable to fulfill the responsibilities of the position or in the event of a vacancy.
The council also received the President's Report and reports from its standing committees.
Evan Guiney, associate professor of biology, shared a presentation about the Keystone Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program, and Kristin Black, assistant director for student transitions, provided an update about the Jump Start program.
The next quarterly COT meetings are Dec. 5-6.
More information about the COT is available on the council's webpage.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu