MS SB2851

Appropriates $322.7 million from the State General Fund to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for support and maintenance of eight state universities for fiscal year 2014 (July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014).

Appropriates $680.6 million from federal, student fees, and other special source funds for education and general operations of the eight universities.

Allocates $20.1 million for Ayers Settlement implementation, including $13.5 million for Ayers-related programs at Alcorn State, Jackson State, and Mississippi Valley State Universities, and $5.9 million for endowment and summer development programs.

Provides $9 million from Capital Expense Fund for construction and renovation projects across all eight institutions, with Mississippi State University receiving the largest allocation of $2.3 million.

Establishes performance targets for instruction, research, and student services, including maintaining freshman retention at 73.4% and 6-year graduation rate at 55.8% compared to national averages for 4-year public institutions.