The University of Missouri Review Commission has been asked to submit a report, with recommended changes, to the Legislature by December 31.

Missouri state capitol

Missouri state capitol

Governor Jay Nixon (D) withheld $750,000 in state funding for the Commission this summer, citing less-than-projected revenue growth for the last fiscal year. The funding was aimed at providing Commission members with resources from outside staff.

Commission member Renee Hulshof, a Columbia radio talk show host who graduated from Mizzou’s School of Journalism, wants to see the deadline extended.

“I really don’t think that we can do meaningful work with all of us having full-time jobs and commitments and everything else, and it’s important,” Hulshof said, in explaining why she believes the Commission needs additional time.

Hulshof asked a question about the Knight Commission at the recent Columbia meeting.

“When (former UM System President) Gary Forsee was talking about, and my question very directly was ‘And how long did they have to do the Knight report?’ It turns out they had eight months. And full-time staff. Full-time staff and a research company to help them out. I envy that. I truly do,” Hulshof told reporters.

Hulshof also notes there are several key officials in interim positions. They include Interim UM System President Mike Middleton and Interim Mizzou Chancellor Dr. Hank Foley.

The Commission’s next meeting is September 27 in Rolla.