Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) The new school year at the College of Southern Idaho begins in less than a week.

Faculty and staff gathered on campus today to prepare for the year ahead.

In front of a packed auditorium, CSI President Jerry Beck gave the State of the College Address.

"It's going to be a good year, but not a great year," said Beck.

Beck focused on local, state and national issues currently impacting the college.

One of the biggest concerns is funding.

"From a federal level we have some pretty stormy weather ahead, and keep in mind that as we lose federal funds and various programs many of those programs will have to be replaced with state funding," said Beck.

As Beck explains, it will depend on what Congress decides, but it will likely mean less money for higher education.

Meanwhile, the college has experienced explosive growth over the last few years, which has led to a housing shortage on campus.

Beck believes the new apartment complex should help remedy the problem.

"We're excited about the forty units coming online in January and hope to be able to build the additional sixty units over the next few years," said Beck.

The rise in enrollment is leading to one of the biggest challenges the college is currently facing...space in upper division courses.

"Our biggest concern right now is making sure we will have slots for those students as they start into their majors," said Beck.

The take home message to faculty and staff is students must be successful.

"We have to step up and do what we can to make sure that happens," said Beck.

The CSI graduation rate has continued to climb since 2009.

And, with enrollment in two–year colleges statewide now surpassing the four year, it's clear more students are looking to CSI to jumpstart their careers.

Beck also encouraged faculty and staff to get healthy today.

That's because if employee health care premiums continue to rise, it could put the institution at fiscal risk in five years.