Board of Regents Approves Raises for Faculty – Staff Despite Falling Enrollment [YouTube]

The Montana Board of Regents held a regularly scheduled meeting in Helena on Tuesday and approved all items on their agenda, including raises for faculty and staff at schools struggling with enrollment issues.

Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education Kevin McRea listed some of the items approved by the board.

"The board approved UM's purchase of two electric transit buses, as well as approving the sale of a strip of land at Fort Missoula owned by the university," McRae said. "Montana Tech will be able to expand the planning process of a residence hall, and approved the hiring of MSU's new football coach and his staff."

"The board also approved several collective bargaining agreements that have negotiated raises including bargaining agreements with the University of Montana," he said. "There was some discussion of raises for schools that have enrollment management and budget stability plans in place. MSU Billings has a sharper enrollment decline than the University of Montana, however the prevailing view appeared to be through the approval of these adjustments, that this is what we pay people to take on and meet."

The University of Montana has instituted a plan to reduce its expenses following three straight years of reduced enrollment.