Issues concerning the University’s budget funds were addressed Wednesday at the Graduate Student Senate’s first monthly brown bag luncheon. The round-table forum welcomed Ohio state representative and University alumni Randy Gardner as its guest speaker.
“I want people to become familiar as possible with the state budget and how difficult it is to balance,” Gardner said. “It’s not going to be an easy task. Nearly $618 million will be deducted from the state budget for higher education.”
By July 1, 2011, restrictions on Ohio spending will reduce state funds, limiting several Ohio institutions.
“As we make decisions based on priority, it is very difficult to see how there won’t be some reductions made in every department and agency in the state budget,” Gardner said.
While Gardner spoke adamantly about the financial challenges facing several state universities, he is determined to position Ohio to be in better shape moving into the future.
“The one thing I don’t support is less support for higher education that would yield higher tuition rates or reducing access or programs for students,” Gardner said.
“Ohio already has tuition rates above the national average,” Gardner said. “I believe families are already paying more for higher education than many students in the country. You can’t just go across the board and cut 15 percent of all departments funding and then raise tuition, it’s not fair.”
Cuts in department funding have affected University programs like Canadian studies, which was removed last semester. In the months ahead, Gardner and his colleagues hope to distribute equal autonomy for the University and the state.
“We want to find a balance that will help higher education between the state and university,” Gardner said. “If we can save 15 or 20 percent on a $40 million construction plan, that is a good sum of money that can save many programs and departments.”
Graduate student Stacey Freyer thought Gardner’s proposals will benefit students and faculty members.
“The brown bag luncheon was informative and well organized,” Freyer said. “Gardner’s intentions for higher education are sincere and honest. It is nice to have a bigger voice that is open to ideas.”
“Effective leadership is well informed leadership,” said GSS president Stephen Dinda. “Rep. Gardner works hard to have the best interest of the students and our University.”
The next GSS brown bag luncheon will take place Sept. 22 in 101 Olscamp at noon. Bowling Green Mayor John Quinn will lead the discussion. Community members and undergraduates students are also welcome.