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St. Cloud State University
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Budget cuts become reality
By Nyssa Dahlberg
Published:
Thursday, September 11, 2003
It's no secret that SCSU is suffering from major budget cuts this year. Students have been effected by increased class sizes and a 15 percent rise in tuition costs.
Many students have been confused about the university's financial standings.
"I understand that the school has fewer funds this year, but I don't understand how we can afford this great remodeling project," said student Jenna Schubert.
This has been a concern for many students besides Schubert. According to Diana Burlison, SCSU associate vice president for administrative affairs, students have voted on and approved to help fund the remodeling of Atwood Center, the recreation center and half of the stadium. Other funds for the projects are coming from the state of Minnesota; funding which is extra money and not a normal part of SCSU's budget.
Not all remodeling will take place as planned; a few minor projects have been overlooked. Building repairs for this year have also been reduced.
In order to make up for the lost funds, the university made numerous cuts.
Campus offices were closed every Friday this summer, saving roughly $116,000. The university has also decided to leave 25 faculty positions vacant, resulting in larger class sizes and larger work loads for each teacher.
SCSU has also saved money by giving faculty members leave without pay. Burlison said that the faculty is not very happy about having less benefits with a larger work load, but members have been understanding about budget difficulties. Burlison commended everyone for their cooperation in making the best out of a bad situation.
Public Safety has also been affected by roughly $30,000 in cuts this year. Money from the department has been taken, however, Public Safety's revenue from last year's parking money has made up for their cuts, Burlison said, so cuts have had no effect on the department.
Other cuts SCSU has made include terminating leases on the tennis center, saving $35,000, and a $12,000 lease on North Colbert House, the former location of the SCSU Women's Center.
Changes in several phone number exchanges across campus to a universal exchange of 308 is also due to budget reductions. Burlison said that the university now has its own phone equipment and can save money on previous large phone bills through Qwest phone company.
SCSU has also considered closing its doors during the December/January break to save money. However, allowing large amounts of mail to pile up would not be beneficial to the university. Other factors, such as issues with getting grades in, faculty payroll, and snow removal would make closing campus even more difficult.
On average, SCSU spends about $110 million a year on various things such as utilities. It is not known how long the budget deficit will last, but things will be tight for this and next academic year.
Burlison promised that through state and tuition money campus will stay in excellent condition. Though funds are tight, SCSU will continue to serve the students as best as they can with minimal impact on our education, she said.
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