BISMARCK - Dickinson State University is experiencing a decrease in legislative funding due to a decline in student enrollment, said Larry Skogen, interim chancellor of the North Dakota University System.
The Senate Appropriations Committee heard testimonies from higher education institutions during a meeting in Bismarck on Monday afternoon.
The meetings, which are scheduled to transition into discussions about the upcoming legislative biennium budget, are slated to run throughout the rest of the week.
While the total legislative budget for higher education is larger this biennium, Skogen said three institutions, including DSU, will receive less funding compared to last session.
“The discussion hinges on size of increase,” Skogen said.
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The funding pays for student safety, security, retention, affordability, increases in state grants and hiring graduates into the state's workforce upon graduation.
Skogen said the budget lags two years, which is why a decline in student enrollment is affecting DSU's legislative budget.
The university had expected funding for a Theodore Roosevelt Center and additional operational expenses. Neither is included in this biennium's current budget.
However, retiring DSU President D.C. Coston is presenting in front of the committee today and hopes to convince Senate members to restore those funds, said DSU executive director of enrollment services and communication Marie Moe.
Moe said the president is expected to share the university's vision for its students, along with its role in the community, as reasons why the institution should be well funded.
“There are a lot of changes between now and the time when higher education funding occurs,” Moe said. “This is not the final story.”
Moe said funding for projects like the Theodore Roosevelt Center, which is located in the university's library, are important to support. DSU one day hopes to build a Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library based off the work done at the Theodore Roosevelt Center.
“I think the Theodore Roosevelt Center inspires the next generation to embrace history and learn from people like the president who navigated uncertainty,” Moe said. “I think it encourages students and community members who are grappling with similar things.”
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She said scholars from around the world use the digitized materials available through the center to learn about the 26th president of the United States.
“It is a great resource,” she said.
Also being discussed this week is House Bill 1358, a bonding proposal, which seeks acquisition of two residential halls from DSU’s Foundation.
Senate Majority Leader Wardner said the bill is sitting in committee until amendments to the document are made and the budget forecast is completed.
“The bill will be acted on sometime this week and kicked back to the House,” Wardner said.
