Helena College UM plays a big role in helping students succeed. In the Helena College UM fiscal year 2022 budget student services section, leaders set aside money to make campus life better. This budget covers things like advising, activities, and health support. It shows how the college cares about students. For example, funds go to pay staff who guide you through classes and plans. Other parts help pay for events and tools that keep you healthy and happy. As part of the University of Montana system, this plan fits into bigger goals for all campuses. Students can see where their fees help build a strong community. Let’s dive into the numbers and what they mean for you1.
A Quick Look at Helena College and Its Place in the University of Montana System
Helena College UM sits in Helena, Montana. It offers hands-on programs in fields like nursing, welding, and business. The college serves about 1,500 students each year. Many come for quick certificates or two-year degrees that lead right to jobs. As a branch of the University of Montana, it follows the rules of the Montana University System budget. This system oversees seven colleges and universities across the state. In fiscal year 2022, which ran from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, the whole system focused on steady growth. State money made up 73% of Helena College’s revenue. That comes to about $8,202 per full-time student—close to the system average of $9,650.
Why does this matter? The college financial planning ties student needs to real dollars. For instance, enrollment held steady at around 1,200 full-time equivalents. This lets planners keep services strong without big cuts. Think of it like planning a family trip: You look at what everyone needs and split the cash wisely. Here, student voices from groups like the student government help shape choices. They push for more fun events or better study help.
Background on How Budgets Work at Public Colleges Like Helena
Public colleges like Helena College get money from tuition, state aid, and grants. The higher education budget FY22 for in Montana stressed balance. Lawmakers in the state set aside funds based on student numbers and needs. At Helena, the total all-funds budget hit $15.5 million. That’s up 13% from the year before. Unrestricted money— the kind colleges can use freely—totaled $7.3 million, down just 1%.
Student services fall under “Program 05” in budget talks. This group includes everything from career advice to club funding. In FY22, it took 14% of all spending. That’s $1 million out of the unrestricted pot. Compare that to instruction at 45%—it shows services get a solid slice.
- State Support: Main source, covers basics like staff pay.
- Tuition and Fees: For students, go to direct help, like advising.
- Grants: Extra cash for special programs, like wellness events.
This setup reassures families: Your money builds a safe, fun place to learn.
Breaking Down the Helena College UM Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Student Services
Now, let’s zoom in on the Helena College UM fiscal year 2022 budget student services. The total for this program was $909,471 in the main budget. That’s for day-to-day use. It dropped 6% from 2021’s $969,854. Why? Planners cut some supply costs but boosted scholarships. Overall, it stayed steady over five years—from $885,000 in 2018 to this level.
Here’s the split:
| Category | Amount | Percent of Total | Change from FY21 |
| Personal Services | $649,998 | 71% | +5% |
| Operating Expenses | $170,151 | 19% | +5% |
| Capital & Transfers | $185,000 | 22% | +110% (big jump in scholarships) |
| Total | $1,005,149 (adjusted) | 100% | +16% overall |
Personal Services covers the pay for the team that runs student help. Salaries and wages took $464,152—up a bit for pros like advisors. Benefits added $170,151 for health plans. This keeps staff happy and ready to help you.
Operating Expenses pay for daily needs. Supplies dropped to $388,195 from higher costs before. But waivers and scholarships soared to $185,000. That’s money back to students for books or fees. Travel got $16,367 for trips to job fairs.
Capital & Transfers moved funds to key spots. The big rise here means more aid for those in need.
This breakdown shows smart choices. Less on extras, more on what helps you most.
How Personal Services Funds Build a Support Team for Students
Think of personal services as the heart of student help. In FY22, 71% of the Helena College FY22 student services budget breakdown went here. That paid 10-15 staff members, from counselors to activity planners.
- Salaries for Advisors: $315,908 for pros who map your classes and careers. They meet one-on-one to ease stress.
- Admin Support: $146,354 for folks who handle forms and events.
- Benefits: Covers sick days and retirement—keeps the team strong.
Students feel this daily. One advisor might help 50 kids pick majors. Without steady pay, turnover hurts everyone. In Montana, where winters are tough, good benefits draw local talent.
For student groups, this means reliable help for club budgets. The student senate can count on the staff to review plans fairly.
Operating Expenses: Fuel for Everyday Student Life
Next, operating costs are at 19%. This buys tools and runs programs. Supplies like flyers for events or snacks for meetings cost $388,195. Contracted services, $40,313, might hire guest speakers for wellness talks.
Waivers stand out—$185,000 back to you. If you qualify, it cuts tuition pain. This ties to tuition fee allocation, where fees fund your own success.
Examples:
- Wellness Programs: Funds for yoga classes or stress workshops.
- Activities: Cash for game nights or guest trips.
- Advising Tools: Software to track your progress.
These keep campus buzzing. Low costs mean more events, less worry.
Impacts on Students and Prospective Students
As a student or someone thinking about Helena College, this budget touches your life. The student support services funding ensures you get help from day one.
Imagine starting classes. An advisor uses FY22 funds to set your schedule. No guesswork—just a clear path. Disability services get gear to make learning equal. Wellness cash funds free counseling sessions. In 2022, with COVID echoes, this mattered more.
Stats show wins: Retention rates held at 60%—students stayed because help was there. Clubs thrived with activity money. One group, the welding club, hosted a big fair thanks to $5,000 in grants.
Tips for you:
- Check your account often via Business Services.
- Join the student gov to voice budget ideas.
- Use free aid—waivers saved students $185,000 in FY22.
Prospective kids: Visit and ask about services. See how funds make college feel like home.
Stories from Student Life: How Funds Made a Difference
Take Sarah, a nursing student. In fall 2021, stress hit hard. The wellness program, backed by operating funds, offered group talks. She graduated on time. Or Mike, in trades. Activity cash let his club buy tools for practice. These real wins come from the Helena College financial report numbers.
Over five years, student services spending grew 3% yearly. That means more events, like cultural nights that build friends.
Role of Student Government and Organizations in Budget Planning
Student leaders shape this, too. The budget planning for student activities Helena College involves them early. In FY22, the Senate reviewed proposals for clubs. They pushed for even splits—half to academics, half to fun.
How it works:
- Meetings: Twice a month, discuss needs.
- Votes: Approve small grants, like $500 for a hike.
- Feedback: Tell admins what works.
This teaches money smarts. One org used funds for a food drive—helped 100 families. Ties to educational resource allocation, where students learn to lead.
For groups: Apply early. Forms are simple on thestudent page.
Insights for Institutional Budget Analysts and Administrators
Admins, this detailed Helena College financial report FY22 gives clear data. Use the rollup for trends—supplies down 18%, but scholarships up double. Tools like Excel track variances.
Key metrics:
- Per Student Spend: $800 on services—below peers but efficient.
- ROI: High retention from low-cost aids.
Plan ahead: FY23 saw rises in plant costs; balance with student needs. TheFY22 Summary PDF has full tables.
Tools and Best Practices for Fiscal Planners
Break it down:
- Track Quarterly: Watch personal services—71% is high; trim if needed.
- Forecast: Use enrollment data to predict.
- Audit: Check waivers for rules.
This keeps the institutional financial management tight. Reassuring: Helena stayed solvent, no deficits.
What Policymakers and the Montana University System Need to Know
For state leaders, the Montana University System FY22 college budget report shows value. Helena’s 14% to students beats some campuses. State aid of 73% funds 80% of services.
Impacts:
- Equity: More Native American students got help, up 2% system-wide.
- Efficiency: Costs per student 74% of peers—smart spending.
Legislators: Review metrics dashboards onMUS site. It proves public dollars work.
Broader System Ties and Future Outlook
The system cut admin costs by 0% change, freeing cash for students. FY22 set a base for growth—enrollment up 1%. Watch for inflation; the HECA benchmark at 75% personal share guides tweaks.
Exploring Key Areas: Academic Support, Wellness, and Activities
Dig deeper into uses. Academic support services get advising cash—helps 90% of freshmen.
Student wellness programs budget: Funds counseling—saw 20% more visits in 2022.
Student activities funding: $40,000 for events—built community post-pandemic.
Examples:
- Free health fairs.
- Career workshops with locals.
This campus services expenditure list shows a focus on you.
Wellness in Detail: Why It Matters and How It’s Funded
Wellness isn’t fluff—it’s key. FY22 ops cash bought apps for mental health tracking. Staff hours covered group yoga. Result: Fewer dropouts.
Tips:
- Sign up early.
- Share feedback.
- Pair with free Medicaid info.
Reassuring: Funds grow with needs.
Financial Aid and How It Links to the Budget
Helena College tuition and student services allocation blends fees with aid. In FY22, waivers hit $185,000—direct relief.
Process:
- Apply via FAFSA.
- Check Financial Aid page.
- Plans defer payments—no late fees.
For low-income: Full coverage possible. This eases enrollment support programs.
Payment Plans: A Student Lifeline
Deferred plans let you pay over time. Contact Stephanie at HCStudentaccounts@helenacollege.edu. No interest—huge save.
Comparisons: Helena vs. Other Montana Colleges
Helena’s $909K beats Dawson CC’s smaller pot but trails Missoula’s scale. Per student, it’s even—$800 each.
- Flathead Valley: More on activities (15%).
- Miles CC: Higher waivers (25%).
This Montana public college finances show Helena’s balance.
Lessons from Peers: What Helena Can Adopt
Borrow ideas: Add peer mentoring, funded low. Track outcomes like peers do.
Tips for Maximizing Your Student Services Experience
Make the most:
- Visit Often: Drop into advising weekly.
- Join Clubs: Tap activity funds.
- Track Aid: Use portals for updates.
- Give Input: Email Senate ideas.
- Plan Budgets: Learn from the Fund Wiser tool.
These steps turn funds into your wins.
Challenges and Wins in FY22 Student Services
Challenges: Supply costs up 10% from inflation. Wins: Scholarships doubled, aiding 200+ students.
Admins adapted—cut travel 2%, boost aid.
Overcoming Hurdles: Stories of Resilience
One event: Virtual fairs saved cash, reached more. Students landed jobs anyway.
Looking Ahead: FY23 and Beyond
FY23 rolled up similarly—$950K estimated. Focus: Tech for remote help. With enrollment steady, services grow.
Conclusion
The Helena College UM fiscal year 2022 budget student services proves commitmen2t. At $909,471, it funded staff, events, and aid that lifted students. From advisors’ pay to scholarship waivers, every dollar built success. This plan, part of the UM fiscal year 2022 operating budget for students, reassures: Your college invests in you. Key takeaways? Personal services at 71% keep help close. Operating boosts like $185,000 in waivers ease burdens. For all audiences—from students grabbing tips to admins eyeing metrics—it’s a model of smart care.