Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 21, 1982)
University budget woes may last to end of decade By Debbie Hewlett Of th» BmunU In a recent discussion with Rep. Peg John, D-Cottage Grove, Jolin expressed concern that the present economic downturn might last through the entire decade Jolin may be a bit pessimistic, but the indica tors from this year seem to bear her out. If the state is in for nearly 10 years of near depression, what does the University and the entire system of higher education have to look forward to? PART THREE UNIVERSITY CUTS Graphic by Max De Rungs The first place to be hit, as it has already, will be monetary support for state programs A lot of legislators feel that higher education already has been run through the budget wringer once too often. The state Ways and Means Committee bears this out by its action last Monday when it recommended only a 4 4 percent reduction in lieu of Gov Vic Atiyeh's requested 10 percent budget cut But if the situation worsens, then universities may be asked to trim even further Students have borne the brunt of much of the budget crisis by paying higher tuition. It seems likely that students won't be asked to carry much more of the load — a point legislators drove home Tuesday when they asked for a $12 decrease in tuition for next year. Faculty and staff salaries are next in line. Already many of the deans in the colleges at the University are losing staff through attrition. Many more faculty are receiving attractive offers from other, more financially stable univer sities How many will stay is still in the “wait and see what happens" stage, says Robert Berdahl, dean of the arts and sciences college “They’ve grown and lived with the University, they believe in it — it’s still a very good school,” says Berdahl. “But most are flying on a wing and a prayer.” Most of the colleges and departments have lost some faculty, while most stay on, says Jim Reinmuth, dean of the business school. He says he thinks it has a lot to do with an "esprit de corps ” ’’That's worth a least a few thousand dollars," says Reinmuth “Most good universities are located in crummy places, but Eugene is a nice place." Aside from increasing tuition and losing faculty, there are very few places to blacken a red budget All of the department heads were reluctant to talk about axing programs and none would, or could, determine which programs would go first. An attitude of crossing the bridge when you come to it prevails. Most of the deans agree, that to a large extent, the arts and sciences college is un touchable “All we have are basics,” says Berdahl. "I don’t think anything is untouchable," says Celeste Ulrich, dean of health, physical education and recreation. But after a few moments, she says, "readin', ’ritin’ and 'rithmatic are the only untouchables “ ’’You learn to speak and you still take English, you learn to move and you still need to take P E.," says Ulrich Ulrich’s arguments are indicative of a general feeling “The University as a whole should know what the arts are about,” says Bill Gilland, dean of architecture and allied arts "There needs to be access to visual inquiry — students need to think visually.” "All of higher ed is vulnerable," says Gilland, "it's encouraging that the community is seeing the need at least economically." Untenured University faculty question Olum about problems About 75 untenured faculty members met yesterday afternoon to ask University Pres. Paul Olum about their status and current budget problems Questions ranged from efforts to sway legislators to retirement accounts “We know there must be a lot of anxiety," said Olum, "and we may not be able to answer all your questions. ” Olum told the untenured members that the budgetary problems,"might make tenure more difficult, but we won't stop” and that there are "no tenure quotas.” When questioned about in dividual program cuts, Olum responded by saying that program reduction is equivalent to financial exigency and that if faculty are let go without a one year notice, then it will have to be done with a notice of exigency Midway through the meeting a television crew from KVAL appeared and Olum asked that none of the untenured faculty be identified. The television cameraman filmed Olum and left Earlier Olum asked that the Emerald not use the names of the people attending the con vocation. The hour-long meeting also brought forth questions about basic school support and the possibility of closing a small college within the state system. "We never know about that,” said Olum, “but there is almost no chance,” he added. 15/$30 REBATE On your College Ring Rebate offered Last Day! See the Jostens’ Display at uo BOOKSTORE 13th & Kincaid Mon-Fri 8:15-5:30 Sat 10:00-3:00 Textbooks 686-3520 • General Books 686-3510 • Supplies 686-4331 ——COUPON — — “ — “| ! Jan. Hair Specials r Ginger Pope Perms: reg. *33 Now $22 (haircut not included) Hair cuts: reg S11 Now: $8 Ask tor Ginger Pope j The Turning Point i • 343-4813 2660 Oak j Bring coupon—expires Jan. 30 L__ COUPON_-J SANTA FH CHAMBFR MUSIC I IlS I I VAL IHh HUH \ I A SO S Jm1> J Auguvr 7. 1977 POSTER SALE January 18-23 ALL POSTERS & FINE ART PRINTS RedUCBd 20% in the Book Department * Large Selection * Special posters reduced up to 50% cash register se es only 13th & Kincaid Mon-Fri 8:15-5:30 Sat 10:00-3:00 Textbooks 686 3520 • General Books 6BS-3510 • Supplies US-4331
