Vice President of Finance and Administration Steve Bridges addressed the apparent rumors around the university on Oct. 2 during a town hall on finances and business operations. During the meeting, he said that the state of Indiana continues to be financially stronger than other states and USI is in stronger financial condition than many other institutions. Other topics he addressed were:

• The $1.3 million budget deficit was solved by taking out the positions that weren’t currently filled and making changes to the adjunct budget.
• College rating agencies, agencies that look to check credit standing and creditworthiness within colleges, see USI as stable. 
• USI has strong performance on the state funding metrics.
• The positions that the university has added (vice presidents, etc.) was added because of need.
• There is no new contract with Sodexo.
• Compensation is the number one priority.
• The university may have to re-calibrate financial aid.
• The extra fees added in July was to have a caseworker in the counseling center.

The next town hall Nov. 13 with Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Khalilah Doss.

More will be added to this story.