Throughout the summer, as we've been learning to adjust to rising gas costs and inflation, we've been reading about budget cuts affecting education. KET, which for 30 years has utilized its "TV as teaching tool" philosophy to offer college courses, will discontinue the program after the fall semester due to funding cuts. KCTC has had to eliminate over 200 jobs system-wide, and two-thirds of those were full-time faculty and staff members. The University of Kentucky had to leave over 100 jobs unfilled and lay off 15 staff members.
Some private colleges are affected too, although not because of state funding shortfalls. Georgetown College aired its plan to eliminate several staff members, citing declining donations. Georgetown is also leaving several vacant positions unfilled and turning several previously full-time staff positions into part-time.
Is Kentucky alone in experiencing these difficulties? Of course not. The world of higher education mirrors the economy. Unless you've spent the summer ostrich-style with your head in the sand, you are well aware of the economic challenges at hand. Here, however, is an exception to ponder: just as some individuals and corporations remain relatively unscathed during times of economic turmoil, so too can some colleges and universities keep their budgets largely intact. By and large, these schools tend to be private, have enormous financial endowments and maintain a high degree of selectivity in admission. Yet even these colleges may tighten their belts a bit, concerned that endowment investment returns and donations could diminish.
How can I be sure my child receives the education we are paying for?
On the academic side, which should be your primary concern, fewer faculty members could lead to larger class sizes. Introductory classes that are limited in size could be less accessible than in the past; piecing together a sequence of courses in an area of interest could become challenging. Faculty members carrying larger teaching loads could be less available to students beyond class hours. Graduate teaching assistants could shoulder more responsibilities. Academic departments may be merged or, in extreme cases, faculty committees may be asked to participate in budget-cutting exercises that could result in eliminating certain departments altogether.
Facilities supporting the academic enterprise may be weakened as well. Libraries may have less funding available for online and print journal subscriptions, new book additions and staffing. Open library hours may be reduced, research librarians may be stretched thin, and even student helpers at the check-out desk may find their hours cut. Computer labs may update hardware and software less frequently.
What about outside of class?
Secondary to the academic enterprise is what happens outside of the classroom. As an example, athletic opportunities may be curtailed somewhat. While sports bringing greatest visibility to an institution are unlikely to experience cuts of any significance, teams serving smaller numbers of students and operating quietly in the shadows may receive unwelcome news.
Campus-wide maintenance may deteriorate or, in the case of capital projects, be deferred. The grass may be cut less frequently, or up north it may be a matter of snow remaining on paths a little longer. Hallways may not be cleaned as regularly, and personnel available for basic tasks such as changing light bulbs could be spread thinner. But how important is physical appearance to a student's ability to get a first-class education and to his or her future? As long as structural concerns are addressed readily, perhaps this is a sphere where a little less attention may suffice. On the other hand, most of us don't want to encounter negligence in the form of horribly peeling paint or overflowing trashcans for too long.
Will this change a student's experience?
Now that you've read about potential bleak outcomes, let me change your mindset: small cuts around an operating budget's edges won't necessarily affect every student's experience at a college. Changes could be felt in minor ways, or perhaps not at all. Today's column is offered not in the vein of "the sky is falling" but instead as constructive advice: students should be aware of potential pitfalls when the budget ax is wielded and keep an eye on their own turf. The choice of a college is a serious decision; if a college changes offerings important to a student's experience and goals, then one must question whether it remains the right choice.
When regional and national economic woes have run their course and we return to stable ground, college officials will be able to breathe easier in constructing their annual operating budgets. Just as students hope to attend a college where all of their academic and extracurricular interests are well supported, college administrators work hard every day of the year to try to meet those expectations. But until previous funding is restored, ask pointed questions about each college's budget decisions as you evaluate college matches and listen attentively to answers. Then choose accordingly.
Jane S. Shropshire guides students and families through the college search process. Send questions or suggestions to JShrop@att.net or visit Shropshire Educational Consulting, LLC at www.ShropEd.net.