A funding model for student support costs associated with WSU Online was discussed. Using the University Centers model a plan has been proposed where student fees will not be assessed for online instruction. Instead a delivery charge equal to the student fee would be assessed to cover the student support costs. Discussion included whether this plan would apply to students who are taking classes both in person and online. In the context of the perceived need of online students for community, concerns were expressed regarding whether online students would have access to normal student services and activities.
Work continues on the development of a statewide model for gathering and reporting faculty workload.
Faculty workload models from Wyoming and Texas were presented and discussed. Both of these models as well as the current university policy in the PPM have characteristics which colleges do not have the resources to support. Faculty workload appears to be a significant issue for the legislature. Efforts are underway to develop and implement a process which reports faculty effort accurately and consistently. The university is currently considering building up to 400 units of townhouse style apartments.