The $13 million budget proposal was approved by the college council on Feb. 12 and by the board’s fiscal and legislative committee on Feb. 18.
Yesterday, it was Regent Frank Rabauliman who moved for the approval of the budget request, which Regent Paz C. Younis seconded.
But Regent Charles Cepeda raised concerns about the failure of some NMC departments to submit their budget requests.
NMC budget officer Dawn Crystal Ravillo said they have conducted a workshop on budget preparation then proceeded to a budget hearing in which all department heads participated.
“The board acknowledges and appreciates that the proposed consolidated budget is the product of extensive deliberations by the college community, inclusive of students, faculty, staff, and the fiscal and legislative committee of the board of regents,” stated the resolution signed by board chairwoman Janet H. King.
The proposed budget is in compliance with the accreditation standard to link planning and program review to budget resources and integrate institutional priorities established by NMC’s planning, program, review and outcomes assessment committee, King said.
“The college plays a central role in helping residents of the commonwealth advance toward their educational and professional goals,” said Rabauliman, chairman of the board’s fiscal and legislative committee.
“The amount we are seeking from the Legislature will allow the college to continue serving in this important capacity,” he said.
“It also helps NMC to maintain the high quality of instruction and student services, as well as to uphold NMC’s full accreditation standing,” he added.
NMC’s consolidated budget has two parts: the first is from an appropriation from the Legislature, amounting to $9.9 million, and the second will come from tuition and fees and other revenue generated by the college.
“The preparation of the 2011 consolidated budget involved a thorough and exhaustive review of the college’s financial needs,” acting interim President Dr. Patrick Moran said.
“The budget that has been presented to the board represents the minimum that the college needs to ensure we continue fulfilling our constitutional mandate to help improve the quality of life for everyone in the CNMI,” Moran added.
“During the budget deliberations, the college also heavily took into account accreditation requirements,” he said.
“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of receiving an adequate appropriation from the Legislature to continue and maintain NMC’s accreditation activities,” Moran said.
