Sunday, March 8, 2009
A substantial cut in state funding for higher education next year has forced the University to make considerable reductions in its services and operations, and any further decrease in funding will adversely affect students. These cuts represent a direct threat to the value of higher education.
This year, the state reduced funding for higher education by 4.25 percent, a $6.5 million cut for the University, leaving it with no choice but to reduce the number of course sections, delay technology upgrades, shorten museum hours, limit departmental office supplies, cut back on equipment purchases and trim a myriad of activities, including guest speakers.
Lynn Bretz, director of University Communications, said student services were expected to suffer cuts first because the removal of academic programs took longer to carry out. One cut the University has to make is to the Learning Communities program, which contributed a collaborative setting to facilitate student learning.
“Similar programs will help close the gap, but it still represents the loss of a program that benefited students,” Bretz said.
As these reductions occur, the University will receive more cuts in the budget for fiscal year 2010, and if, as predicted, these cuts exceed 7 percent, the effect on students will be much more severe. On Feb. 20, Chancellor Robert Hemenway held a brownbag legislative forum to explore the state budget situation and the consequences the University will face. Richard Lariviere, provost and executive vice chancellor, talked through what the possibility of an additional increase in budget cuts of as much as 15 percent would mean for the University.
“It’s possible for an institution like this to adapt, not always successfully, but to adapt nonetheless,” Lariviere said. “What we’re looking at this year and next year is a really traumatic acceleration of that process, and because it’s so accelerated it’s not possible for us to adapt in a normal manner that we would do.”
The University relies on only 23 percent of funds from the state Legislature, and Lariviere said the donations, outside grant funding, tuition and fees together would not be sufficient to make up for such an abrupt loss.
Matthew Shaw, junior and senior CLAS Student Senate member, said he knew higher education had been hit particularly hard and he expected a raise in tuition.
“I would be surprised if they didn’t raise student fees,” Shaw said. “Especially because the freshman class that came in were guaranteed a flat rate on each class, so they’re ineligible to have their tuition raised. It’s the juniors and seniors that will have to worry.”
The University has left vacant about 110 faculty positions, resulting in more limited course offerings and increased class size.
Bretz said that in the end, students should be aware of the strain deep cuts will put on tuition. The provost and chancellor said higher education must do its part to help the state address these budget issues, but the plans must be balanced and practical.
Higher education systems are certainly important and uphold the potential of a quality, affordable education to students.
“First and foremost, students should pay attention to discussions in the Legislature about funding higher education,” Bretz said. “If you are a Kansan, talk with your parents and discuss ways your family can voice support for higher education.”
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