The Acting Chancellor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale delivered his State of the University address Monday.

“And after eight weeks on the job, I do have a few thoughts.”

Sarvela says he wants to focus on issues like enrollment, financial resources and regional commitment in the upcoming year. He also wants to develop programs to help retention.

“Programs that provide additional support for students who have or are having problems in (subjects like) mathematics. (This is) very important, because math is one of those troublesome subjects that sometimes, students drop out of. So we’re selectively looking at different kinds of programs, seeing if we can provide additional tutoring or help in some way.”

Sarvela also highlighted a need for efficient spending, especially in light of an expiring income tax rate in January. Sarvela says there isn’t much wiggle room in the budget, but there’s room for cuts.

“We need to identify $6.7 million, or about three-and-four-percent of our operating budget, to address shortfalls and support our goals.”

Sarvela mentioned the University’s marketing budget has also been cut dramatically since deciding not to renew a $2 million/year contract with the firm Lipman Hearne.

“We’re going to selectively hire consultants who have done a good job in the past… being more selective in where we target students is going to make a difference when we do our overall marketing.”

Overall enrollment increased by 25 students this fall, the first increase in a decade. International student enrollment jumped 25 percent this fall.