State tax collections have continued to decline, making it necessary for the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents to adjust the System’s budget from a six percent reduction to an eight percent reduction level for the current fiscal year. The Board’s actions call for new reductions at the System’s 35 public colleges and universities, which includes Augusta State, as well as implementing an additional mandatory student fee.
The eight percent reduction plan is designed to help preserve academic quality while having the least possible negative effect on students, faculty, and staff. “In light of the current economic condition, an additional reduction in this year’s state appropriation is no surprise,” said ASU President William A. Bloodworth, Jr. “We began managing such cuts last year, when our state appropriation was reduced by almost 12 percent. This year, in addition to six days of mandated furloughs for most employees, we have reduced operational costs, achieved energy efficiencies, and relied more than ever before on temporary and part-time faculty. The extent to which we have reduced our expenditures while maintaining our quality of student learning is due to our faculty and staff, especially their dedication, diligence, and expertise.”
The increase in the mandatory fee for all USG students, which will be effective for the upcoming spring 2010 semester, has been set at $75 for Augusta State and most other comprehensive institutions, as well as $100 at research universities and six other institutions, and $50 at two-year and state colleges. The increase will be added to the current mandatory fee, resulting in a total mandatory fee for ASU students of $150. In addition to the fee, the board approved a moratorium on student fee increases for FY 2011 and a sunset date of June 30, 2012 for the total mandatory student fee increase.
This action calls upon students to help share with institutions and USG employees some of the sacrifices required to maintain academic quality. “It will certainly help,” says Dr. Bloodworth, “especially in a time of record enrollment. And the number of students we are able to educate is good for everyone. Augusta State University, along with other institutions in the University System, is a powerful engine behind economic development and personal success for the people of this state. We’re doing all we can to keep that engine going as strong as ever—but the loss of state appropriations is a threat to its power.”
Nov 30, 2009
Featured