Managing Growth And Providing Access

Boise State has experienced steady enrollment growth for the last six years, with the fall 2001 semester headcount reaching 17,161, the largest in state history. At the same time, the university has expanded access to programs through a distributed campus strategy that disseminates programs and services at various geographic locations (on campus, at satellite locations, at home and in the workplace) through a variety of technologies (Internet, compressed video, cable television and radio) and during a selection of times (semesters and summer sessions, evenings, weekends or at anytime via the Internet).

With the Treasure Valley�s growth projected to increase more than 60 percent over the next 25 years, Boise State�s strategic plan outlines the need for new buildings, faculty and support services, and warns of the �economic, societal and human consequences of failure to fund the institution at a level commensurate with the expanded role and population it is expected to serve.�

Highlights

The Idaho Legislature approved funds to complete work on the infrastructure and build the first building at the Boise State West campus in Canyon County.

A 150-acre site was acquired in 1996 for a satellite campus to expand educational opportunities for the residents and businesses located in one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, the Interstate 84 corridor that includes the cities of Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Caldwell. Work on the campus street and utility infrastructure is under way. The 2001 Legislature appropriated $9.3 million to construct the first building, which will be a mix of classrooms and offices. The building is scheduled for completion in 2003. The campus also will include the TECenter, a $2 million building that will house new high-technology businesses.

Two new engineering buildings opened to serve students in January 2000.

Funded by $13 million in private funds, the Micron Engineering Center and the Harry W. Morrison Civil Engineering Building provide a contemporary learning environment for students in Boise State�s rapidly growing College of Engineering, which has more than doubled in enrollment since it opened in 1996.

Boise State instituted several new degree programs: a Ph.D. in geophysics; master�s degrees in engineering, criminal justice administration, educational technology and creative writing; and bachelor�s degrees in art history and networking and telecommunications.

Boise State continues to meet local needs through the addition of new degrees, many of which are requested by area businesses. The master�s degree in engineering and the bachelor�s degree in networking and telecommunications, for example, respond to the demand for jobs in the valley�s high-technology sector.