“Beer Stein’s Theory of Complex
Issues and Relative Funding”
Created by Stacey Bartlett
In response, in part, to questions and concerns regarding waitlists,
enrollment management, section reductions, FTES, the 1300 account,
parking and traffic pattern changes and hassles,
pedagogical cap philosophical debates and cultural norms,
and the increasing demands on faculty. Plus, I found myself with a lot of extra
time on my hands
between midnight and 4am.
Presented to the Chair/Coordinator Group & The Academic Senate
Fall 2010
“Dealing with complexity is an
inefficient and unnecessary waste of
time, attention and mental energy.
There is never any justification for
things being complex when they could
be simple.”
Edward de Bono
FYI: This is one of Stacey’s favorite quotations.
“For every complex problem there
is an answer that is clear,
simple, and wrong.”
H.L. Mencken
FYI: This is one of Kenneth Bearden’s favorite quotations.
…yet, he and stacey get along so well! Like 6 and pack.
This is not simple but perhaps we
can agree to a simple understanding
of its complexity.
So, please don’t get *me wrong.
Waitlists, Enrollment Management, 1300 Account,
FTES and Ped Caps
Show me the money!
*The word “get” was added in response to those of you who are not comfortable with using the more stylistic,
“cry in your beer blues” vernacular.
I suggest everyone try the phrase out loud both ways and make an individual choice.
That’s all I’m sayin’!
Understanding Funding
A beer drinkers guide to the complex
• How we are funded:
– We receive funds for a specific percentage of FTES growth
• Under that percentage and we lose out on funds
– It’s as if you could have had a full beer, but the barkeep only
filled your mug part way---rip off!
3%
Percentage of FTES
we are actually paid
for—this year about
2.25%--a nice full pint
but we are trying for
3% so as not to leave
a drop behind. A
difficult task indeed!
2.25%
A little foam is good
but you know what they say about too much of
a good thing!
3%
Too much just spills over!
It’s like paying for beer
you don’t even get to
drink! The additional FTES
over the specific % is not
funded and therefore the
expenses associated with
that overage amount
come out of pocket.
2.25%
Unfunded growth
Question: When does 3+3 become
1300?
3% Targeted Foam Amount
3% Unfunded Growth Foam
ANSWER:
When there’s too much foam in your beer!
But not always because ….
Wow, you can really hold your beer!
• From summer to fall and winter to spring
sometimes you hold it and then use it later.
• It’s challenging but good beer is worth it!
When good beer goes bad…
2
When the
Has
A few previews to catch us up
• Previously :
– We talked about waitlists and the value as strategic
enrollment management tool--• Needs some tweaking
• Other reports also provide insight
• For what purpose will it be used other than classroom
management? Strategic cuts or adds?
– We talked about the deficit in the 1300 account
• From aprox $2mil to $800,000 in the hole
• But, still in the hole
– We talked about the 6% FTES growth and the 3%
target which brings us to ….
Today’s Discussion
• FACT: We have cut some winter session and
some spring sections in order to move toward
the 3% target FTES rate and also in order to
balance the 1300 account.
• FACT: As a norm, we have grown accustomed
to taking over ped caps.
• Before we look at how these two relate…
First, let’s understand our culture
The way we were…
• Back in the day, encouraged by administration and by
our own survival instincts, we were chasing after
FTES as though it was elusive and wily game!
– This is called the “Ooh, I got one!” syndrome.
– Sadly, many faculty still proudly suffer with this syndrome and
can be seen counting the seats in the quest for “the elusive and
wily game.” They have yet to realize we are currently part of the
game preserve.
Next, the way we are…
• Today, encouraged by our own conviction, moral
code, sense of responsibility, democratic sensibility,
and of course, soft hearts, we have been compelled
as though called upon personally by a stray kitty
stranded in the rain in the middle of Durham-Pentz.
– This is called the “Oh, just one more” syndrome
– This is also encouraged by administration
Not confirmed , but “Hello Kitty” is interested in sponsoring a few of us faculty.
Also, rumors are surfacing of an alliance with the Humane Society suggesting that
talks are underway for certain over-enrolled sections. Again, this is not confirmed
and may in fact be completely random humor. Or, a random attempt at humor.
Thus, as a cultural norm,
“we take over cap”
• What does it mean?
– Short term
– Long term
– Term to term
And the discussion continues….
Coming to a KISS Production near you—
“Dr. Data” aka “KB” aka “SLO Guy”
Dr. Kenneth Bearden
Will present actual numbers.
Yep, real ones. Kind of exciting.
THE END
Should have got a 12 pack
“Beer is living proof that god loves us.”
Benjamin Franklin
This presentation was updated for
clarity (& fun) with few minor changes
after the Academic Senate meeting. sb