That was quick
Today an article in the Gainesville Sun reported that UF will go ahead with deep cuts to UF in spite of the fact that there is stimulus money to cover the campus for two more years. The rationale given is that since we don't know where we will be in two years, it's best to cut programs now in anticipation of a bad economy in two years. That's the 'logic' folks, I kid you not.
However as was recently pointed out to me the legislature has given UF cuts of ~49 million in recurring funds. That means that UF may be able to use stimulus money to get us through the next two years, but if the legislature does not reinstate the 49 million (or more) within the next two years then the issues remain. Machen has not said how the cuts will be made, if they will be made this year or whether there will be some 'saves'. Nonetheless, these cuts (whatever they are) will hurt someone.
Cheers
Joe Meert
posted by Unknown @ 6:20 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
That's the logic of our leaders. I suppose the crystal ball they use doesn't look beyond two years, so they plan on the worse.
You must look at it this way; it gets Machen's plans moving quicker at someone else's expense.
Nationally, some schools seem more willing to take a gamble with the stimulus money, paying for recurring items and hoping the economy will strengthen in two years.
At the University of Virginia, administrators will use the stimulus money to reduce tuition increases for students from 9 percent to 4 percent.
University of Massachusetts Amherst officials expect to cut more than $10 million from the school's budget, but will use the stimulus money to stem layoffs and increase faculty hiring.
"The federal government has been very clear that this support is designed to save and create jobs," Chancellor Robert Holub told university employees last month. "In this budget plan, we do exactly that."
Of course. Other universities are thinking about how to continue with strong programs. UF is thinking about how to end strong programs in the name of creating a University of Medicine.
We had a discussion in our department with someone in administration. That person was told next Wednesday, the 13th of all days, notices will be handed out.
The week up until then will be filled with nervous apprehension.
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