USU Budget Cuts

USU Budget Cuts
By Powell

As the economic crisis spreads, USU is forced to reevaluate its budget, but in a way that the institution will be “held harmless.”

USU President Stan Albrecht said this Wednesday, as he addressed student journalists’ questions about the $6.5 million legislative budget cuts to the university.

“We are facing unprecedented world market conditions, like nothing I’ve seen in my lifetime. USU is not insulated from the consequences of what’s going on in the world,” said Albrecht.

However, Albrecht stressed that he wanted USU students to face as little negative affects from the cuts as possible. He described several things the university are doing to find the money in places that will keep students insulated.

A six-person Budget Reduction Committee has been appointed, headed by Fred Hunsaker, USU’s vice president. They will work with the deans to find cuts from the various departments. Each department is required to submit a proposal reaching 5.5 percent by Nov. 1 to the committee for review, Dec. 1 final decisions will be made.

Albrecht made clear that no decisions on cuts, including staff and faculty have been made at this point.

“The cuts will not be across the board, we want to be held harmless in an academic community,” said Albrecht.

So where is the university getting the money, or not getting it? Tuition will not be affected by budget cuts, or will student loans, or scholarships said Albrecht. Though it is important to note that Albrecht said the economic crisis will affect those things, but due to university investments, crisis plans, and the UHEAA that ensures student loans in Utah, students will be virtually untouched.

The university, to save money, has deferred several projects and maintenance. Albrecht mentioned that USU is considering any suggestions on how to save money. After Albrecht, on Oct. 15, posted a budget letter, several students and faculty made suggestions.

Four day workweeks, however, are out of the question said Albrecht. Besides that it is hard for USU to meet the hour requirements to be accredited, the buildings still have to be heated on Friday.

“The savings are just too modest for this to be valid,” said Albrecht.

Although, he did say USU is very aware of energy efficiency.
To make money, USU will invest in recruiting. “We will be more aggressive for recruiting out of state students by advertising that USU is still one of the best education deals in the country,” Albrecht said, “it is a great bargain.”

He said that despite the cuts, it is a great time to come because USU ranks 29th in the country for low tuition costs.

Albrecht did not deny that no one, including himself, knows how long the economic downturn will continue. He noted that USU is working hard to ensure a bright future for its students, but that a continued crisis could have devastating affects.

“I hope we’re at the bottom of the hole,” Albrecht said.