Despite budget cuts and withholdings, Missouri Southern has the lowest tuition in the state.

Decreasing state revenue lead to $1.6 million in withholdings, forcing Southern to operate on a 1998 budget.

Departmental budgets received a 25 percent cut.

“It’s up to the departments’ discretion what to do or not do with what’s left,” said Jeff Gibson, director of budgeting and operations.”

Colleges and universities across the state, including state agencies, have been affected.

“How the departments are shouldering the cuts are unique to each department,” said Dr. Terri Agee, vice president for business affairs.

Administration is focusing on “minimal impact to students,” Agee said.

Faculty travel, supplies, printing and copying costs are being eyed for cutbacks.

“Student travel funds were not subjected to the cuts,” Gibson said.

“It has created a lot more e-mail, and creative ways to communicate versus the paper method,” Agee said.

Salaries were also affected by the withholding.

“What we told the faculty was we were attempting to match salaries to national averages at similar institutions,” said University President Julio León.

“We originally had in mind to increase salaries to 87 percent of published national figures.”

Faculty members whose salaries already met or exceeded 87 percent of the national average of College and University Personnel Association were to receive a 4 percent raise.

When Gov. Holden withheld the equity adjustment that had been approved by the legislature, the University had no choice but to scale back.

Salary goals were adjusted to 85 percent or a 2 percent raise, if the 85 percent goal was already met.

For those receiving a promotion, the customary $2,000 bonus was withheld if the 2 percent raise exceeded the bonus.

“We had already announced the salary increases when the governor’s withholding was announced,” León said. “It was totally unexpected.”

“We want to remain competitive in salaries to attract and retain instructors,” Agee said.

The cuts and withholdings also lead to an increase in tuition.

“Southern’s rate increase was the lowest in the state,” said Rob Yust, treasurer.