Students and faculty alike are expressing concern over the state of Virginia's economic crisis and its effects on the University. Yesterday, the Educational Policy Committee of the Board of Visitors weighed in on the complex issue.
The budget cuts particularly affect the College, which receives 61 percent of its funding for the 2002-2003 school year from state funds, according to Budget Director Melody Bianchetto.
Private donations have helped to ease the burden imposed by budget cuts.
"We have been able, through a mix of private funding sources, to meet the main mission of the University -- which is to teach students," College Dean Edward L. Ayers said. "I am determined not to make the students bear the brunt of this."
If passed by Virginia voters in November, the higher education bond referendum could provide $68.3 million for University construction projects and facilities upgrades. University students and administrators traveled to Richmond yesterday to show support for this legislation.
"Again, it points to the importance of the general education bond," University Provost Gene Block said. "The College is funded mostly by state funds."
The University must face many dangers when curtailing costs. Individual departments face lost hires and decreased visibility when prominent faculty cannot attend conferences. The College also must ensure that the reliance on temporary faculty does not become a permanent problem.
"I think it's quite important that the faculty does not feel that what they do is at risk," Faculty Senate Chairman Michael Smith said.
The greatest threat the University faces is losing its faculty, but last year many of the highest profile threats were warded off, Ayers said.
"Simply there is nowhere else to cut," Ayers said. He later added, "we are the most efficient institution of higher education in the United States of America."
Ayers' statistic derives from dividing the total budget by the number of students at a particular university.
He assured that there will be no layoffs of staff and faculty, and the teaching quality will be protected. Departments will not be micro-managed and will move forward with tenure and promotions. The University will attempt to enable faculty who wish to retire to do so, he added.
A comment by Ayers in which he asserted, "we will spread the cost broadly and fairly," sparked debate from Board member Terence P. Ross.
"That's not how a business would handle this problem," Ross said.
He suggested the potential need to invest more highly in the University's most prominent departments. Other members, however, did not agree.
"This is a University and not a business," said T. Keister Greer, Board member and educational policy committee chairman.
Many Board members agreed with Greer and Ayers that a department's popularity cannot determine its necessity.
The Appropriations Act passed by the Virginia General Assembly in the spring of 2002 cut $25.4 million from the University's general fund budget for the 2002-2003 school year.
"Half of the loss was funded through the tuition increase, and the other half was funded by across the board cuts to every unit," Bianchetto said.
Every school received a 4.35 percent cut of the state budget and every other unit, such as the library and Provost's office, received a 4.6 percent cut.
On August 19, Gov. Mark R. Warner announced more cuts are on the way, and the University was asked to submit three potential budget proposals by Sept. 20.
"The goal is to use this time of unprecedented crisis to do good, new things," Ayers said.
Read More
Dean Rucker honored with Z Society’s highest honor, Pale Z Award
By Brendon Bordwine | 7 hours agoThe Society has a storied history of honoring University leaders with the Pale Z.
Students receive free STI testing through U.Va. Health and Wellness
By Jackie Bond | YesterdayThrough funding from Student Council, students are now able to receive free STI testing with SHW which includes tests for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C.
President Ryan signs collective statement condemning Trump administration
By Cecilia Mould | YesterdayWhile the statement claims that signees are willing to enact reforms and cooperate with government supervision, it disagrees with the current administration’s decision to withdraw funding from institutions.
