First of all, in terms of political expediency, does it make any sense for Governor Jindal to let LSU (or higher ed in general) tank in the state of Louisiana? Absolutely not. This Republican wonderboy has aspirations of being president (no secret there) and enjoys the backing of big-time conservative leaders, like Rush Limbaugh and Grover Norquist. Imagine trying to run for president with that skeleton in your closet. Simply put- it's not going to happen. Any smart politician will not let it. And Jindal has proven to be one of the smartest in the bunch. At least from Louisiana, anyway.
Secondly, the ongoing love affair between the Louisiana Legislature and LSU will not be soured. They enjoy their box suites and LSU enjoys getting the OK from the legislature for tuition and fee increases year after year.
Third, does anyone honestly think that a legislature, probably half-filled by LSU grads, would let LSU crumble? If they're trying to ensure incumbency, is it not a threat if their home districts are angry about their inability to adequately fund local university systems?
I'm not saying that there won't be cuts. There probably will be. And I mentioned before, LSU (and probably other university systems too) could probably learn to budget better without spending $1.3 million on office supplies each year. Our university family, just like every other in the country, must live a little more frugally during this economic hurdle. Learning to say "No, I don't need this _________," (insert conference, stapler, university vehicle), will be the first exercise of higher education self-control.
And as the flagship university, isn't it time we set an example?
It's easy to get caught up in the sensationalism in fear. We are threatened with class offerings being cut back, teachers losing their jobs and our university going to shambles. But we need to give ourselves some credit here- we are a good school and we are of value. And others see that and are trying, behind the scenes and on podiums around the state, to find a practical solution.
Don't act desperate, LSU. It's really not very becoming of you.
Well said, there is no reason why all State educational institutions can't tighten the belt
ReplyDeleteWhat entities then, Ellen, do you propose will be the victims of the inevitable funding cuts? I'm interested in your take.
ReplyDeleteNobody has yet come on this forum to dispute your calls for increased transparency and fiscal responsibility, and these are certainly good things, but there are those among you who would rather not roll over and take these cuts without finding other ways to alleviate them.
The goal is not to remain in stagnant irresponsibility, but to learn that lesson while at the same time maintaining the integrity of our students' educational experience.
Parker, you are neglecting to acknowledge the rainy day fund that has more than enough money to supplement a temporary budget short-fall. Jindal has expressed that he is unwilling to use it, but there is still a possibility that the legislature and others can pressure him into examining the possibility.
ReplyDeleteThe real problem here, Parker, is not that the government is (excuse the vulgarity) "screwing over" higher education. There are reasons that higher education is not included in those programs constitutionally-protected, the primary of which is that higher education is not a SHARED GOOD, like roads or policemen.
I think you are misunderstanding what my intentions are, here. I certainly don't want my degree to be worthless or for other classmates not to graduate on time. I don't want teachers to lose their jobs and I don't want Louisiana's economic situation to worsen by a less educated work force. Instead, I would very much like to see the university behave rationally and responsibly.
You know just as well as I do that the university wastes money every day on things that are not in the students' best interest. The professors who love to educate and who truly care about their subject material are bogged down in spending budgeted money and general higher ed bureaucracy, which is a shame. The focus is no longer on the students, but instead, on the institution itself.
And the fear-mongering that the university is using is quite comparable to what Congress is doing with the stimulus bill. Hurry up and pass it without the examination of the underlying problems that started all of it and without the taxpayers seeing what is going on.
Oh, and we shouldn't have a balanced budget amendment. There, I said it.
ReplyDeleteRight, while departments are and should be adequately preparing for what budget cuts might bring, is the only thing anyone can do is wait? It almost seems we have to wait until the executive budget is released by the governor, and we really know what sort of hits higher education will really take.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought - might be helpful putting together a list of absurd courses that are offered. That's some low hanging fruit that can be cut immediately and a cut which people will understand. I know UNC and NC State have an abundance of courses that just make you say - really?!
ReplyDeleteSaid before the speech in which Jindal proved exactly how smart he really is. Nice. He's such a genius!
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