Students have a say in UConn budget cuts, so speak up

By: Megan Lynch

Posted: 12/2/08

The news of the past few months was centered around the economic crisis. I don't know about you, but I am tired of hearing about it. First of all, it's depressing how poor we're all going to be unless someone throws us a $800 billion stimulus package. I could use a spa day just as badly as the corporate executives. The second reason I'm so sick of it is because of all the finger-pointing that every economist and politician in America is guilty of. It was everyone's fault, so stop trying to throw the blame on someone else. All that is left to discuss is what we're going to do about it and how. This is the crisis that every institution in the U.S. needs to face.

UConn has been full of talk about budget cuts, raising tuition and faculty layoffs since the economic crisis began. However, many of these crucial decisions have been put on hold until there is more information available. But this month, President Michael Hogan has recently made a great step toward sorting this issue out.

Hogan put together a Cost, Operations and Revenue Efficiencies (CORE) task force to make the proper budget cuts for UConn. CORE consists of many university officials with a wide range of interests. Some committee members include the chief operating officer, the chief financial officer and the provost. The committee plans to make the necessary decisions to keep UConn a high ranking public university.

The great part about CORE is how open they are to suggestions from students and staff. There are several "town hall" style meetings on campus for students to come and share their ideas about how they can effectively reduce costs while maintaining a university. Students are encouraged to help brainstorm ideas to increase UConn revenue and to increase efficiency.

The budget cuts will not be easy and many areas of campus will have to face the consequences. The task force has stated that they do plan to continue encouraging campus diversity and maintaining diversity programs, but many other groups are likely to have their budgets cut considerably. This is where student participation is key to the success of the financial plans. Students must speak up for the things they want to keep on campus and the areas they believe should have the fewest cuts.

Some students are bitter about the high budget that is allotted to club sports. While this is something that many students enjoy, does it really deserve the $1 million it is given? Some say no. But if those who participates in club sports find it an integral part of their campus life speaks up to the task force, they may have a greater chance of reducing their budget cuts.

This is the same for every other group on campus. This is the time to speak up and make your voice heard. Regardless of student participation, many sacrifices will need to be made, but if we take an active role in these decisions, our own areas of interest may be spared. Hogan and the CORE task force are making it very easy for student contribution. These meetings provide an open forum for students to voice their ideas in a welcoming atmosphere. Meetings are conveniently held right in the Dodd Center and every student and group should try to participate. You can also submit suggestions right on the CORE Web site.

If we don't take this opportunity to voice our opinions about UConn's financial situation, we may lose out on many campus resources that we take for granted.