March 22, 2024
Dear Sarah:
I write to share some information about today’s meeting of the Board of Trustees.
During the meeting, the Board received a report from Paula Luff, our vice president for enrollment planning and management, about how our University is responding to the challenges caused by the federal government’s ongoing delays in implementing the newly revised Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Among the issues facing our admissions team—and their peers at colleges and universities across the country—include technical glitches with the new form and incorrect estimates of aid due to the Department of Education’s failure to update a crucial income formula.
An estimated 95 percent of our incoming freshmen, and 80 percent of our continuing students, file a FAFSA each year. Due to numerous setbacks, the new FAFSA was not made available to prospective students until December 31, 2023, three months later than when the FAFSA form usually opened. As a result, approximately 30 percent fewer Indiana high school students filed their FAFSAs by the end of February 2024 compared to the same time last year.
Our University’s plan to mitigate the external risk from these issues includes: regular communications with prospective and current students and their families; moving our enrollment decision date from May 1 to June 1; and working with IT to prepare our software systems for related updates necessary in response to the new FAFSA. We are also hiring a financial aid consultant to support staff in our financial aid office.
Also during the meeting, the Board received several other presentations, including:
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A presentation from Scott Rutledge, dean of our College of Health, about enrollment trends and enhanced recruitment strategies within the college. The dean also shared how the college is serving our friends and neighbors through its various community clinics and research collaborations.
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A presentation from Ro-Anne Royer Engle, vice president for student affairs, and Jim McAtee, executive director of our Career Center, about positive post-graduation outcomes for our students and how our Career Center is working to enhance our University’s relationship with employers across the region.
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A presentation from Randy Ruttenberg, founder of Fairmount Properties, about the branding and identity of the revitalized Village, which will provide new options for entertainment, living, and dinning that will have sustained benefits for our campus, our community, and our region.
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Finally, the Board read a resolution honoring the outstanding achievements of the Burris students and coaches who led their team to the 2023 Class 2A Volleyball State Championship on November 4, 2023. The Owls demonstrated courage, perseverance, and teamwork throughout the 2023 season that empowered them to defeat their state tournament rivals in straight sets.
As is customary, I made a few comments at the end of the meeting. In this instance, I shared my thoughts on how we will implement the recently passed Senate Bill 202. I encourage you to read my remarks.
It is a privilege to serve you.
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Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University
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