The Ledger considers how the budget reduction process was handled
In a time when funding is uncertain and enrollment is on the decline, appropriate measures have to be taken.
Last Friday, President Sopcich announced a plan of action that would result in over $3.8 million of reductions to the college’s budget. Compared to the FY 2013-14 budget, that is roughly 2.8 percent. This may not sound too significant, but in reality, it is a huge step in the right direction.
In order to ensure a successful, flourishing future for the college, it is important we assess what that means. Right now, it is crucial we cut back on spending and create a safety net in case the economy or funding falls flat.
Although it is unfortunate when any organization has to cut back instead of expand, we would like to concede that this round was handled very well.
In the weeks and months leading up to this announcement there was certainly an environment of fear and uncertainty amongst staff and faculty at the college. Personnel were unsure of what the future held for them.
It was announced that the most of the positions which were eliminated were already vacant. Of the 53 positions removed, nine of those were professor positions. Ultimately, a lot of pain was avoided just by using common sense — this is what we like.
Here at the Ledger, we are student journalists, student journalists. That means we take classes, pay tuition and participate in activities just like everyone else. And that is why this is so important.
Our job is to hold those in power accountable through the power of media and reporting; and here, in a college setting, we are very directly affected by the administration’s decisions.
As we move through this semester and into next year, we can only hope decisions continue to be made with thought and respect to those at the college. After all, it is in the best interest of the students that these decisions should be made.