Published: October 08, 2008 10:53 pm         

FSU responding to employees’ needs

Gibralter cites increased enrollment in fall convocation remarks Tuesday

FROSTBURG — Citing increased enrollment as the catalyst for a stronger financial position at Frostburg State University, President Jonathan Gibralter told staff and students that he can finally deal with some long-term problems at the university.

Gibralter delivered his fall convocation at the university Tuesday afternoon.

“Here are some ways we’re successfully changing the professional environment at FSU and responding to our employees’ needs,” he told the attendees.

• Increasing faculty salaries with a $250,000 investment.

• Doubling the Faculty Development Fund to $50,000 for conferences and research.

• Moving employees out of the contingent category.

• Increasing health insurance benefits and retirement benefits to cover more employees.

Gibralter also listed physical improvements as a focus of the university with upgrades to furniture, air quality in the Fine Arts Building, new library roof and carpet, new stage curtains in Performing Arts and new marching band uniforms.

Other improvements include technology-enhanced classrooms and campus lighting and security systems.

Students fees have contributed to an addition to the Lane University Center planned for fall 2009 construction.

An Education Professions and Health Sciences Center is projected to open in 2013.

“The future of Frostburg State University is also deeply connected to the ways in which we can continue to position ourselves as a hub of economic development in Western Maryland,” Gibralter said.

Progress in this area includes a stronger relationship with the city of Frostburg, new businesses locating in the Allegany Business Center@ FSU, and new academic programs that respond to regional work force needs as well as the national job market.

Gibralter emphasized that the university is in better shape to deal with proposed budget cuts than it was several years ago.

“There are no easy answers ... but my administration and I are committed to making informed decisions about how to survive economic hardships,” he said.

The university has a $15 million fundraising campaign under way to achieve student, academic and regional and cultural enrichment and Gibralter listed several major donors who have already contributed to the effort.

He also outlined the goals of the Creating Healthy, In-formed, Lasting Lifestyles program that has begun with a contribution of $228,225 from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

FSU has refocused its effort to address binge drinking on campus by creating an Alcohol Task Force. The university is working closely with law enforcement agencies, the liquor control board and local landlords.

Gibralter provided an update on the Learning Green Living Great initiative to make FSU a more environmentally conscious campus.

Also crediting the teachers and students with their efforts, the president unveiled a new FSU logo that symbolizes the university’s accomplishments and a new online celebrity, Bob E. Cat, who represents a return to school spirit.