More non-working days ahead for faculty and staff
Furlough days are only "short-term solutions"
Jarvis Johnson
Issue date: 9/2/09 Section: News
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has mandated six furlough days in which GSC faculty and staff will not receive pay. According to the USG Web site, the Furlough Program has been put in place in order to meet institutional budget reduction requirements.
"Furlough days are short-term solutions to long-term problems. That long-term problem, of course, being the economy," said Paul Glaser, vice president for business and finance.
While furlough further complicates some employees' current economic woes, those who make less than $23,660 will be exempted.
"One day of Furlough equals $100,000," said Glaser.
Most of the professors at GSC have taken "F-Day" with a grain of salt.
"Whatever is best for everyone. I look at Furlough Day as a common good," said Douglas Ealey, sociology professor.
"It would be nice if we didn't have Furlough Day, but we are all state employees and have to sacrifice," said Diane Cook, psychology professor.
The up side of the furlough days, according to professors, is that students are not affected negatively.
"I'm grateful that we are not shortchanging the students," said Douglass Young, political science professor. "Everybody dislikes losing pay, but it is important that everyone has to sacrifice."
In addition to students not being negatively impacted, no staff members will lose their jobs due to the economy.
"I would rather everyone keep their job than have layoffs," said Ealey.
Professors did not feel undermined by the Furlough Program, even though they have to make a significant sacrifice.
"I would like to think what I do is important, but there are more necessary things that have to be done as far as finances," said Cook.
"I will miss that little chunk of my paycheck," said Scott Kantor, collection management librarian.
"Let's make the best of it," said Clayton Teem, psychology professor.
"Furlough days are short-term solutions to long-term problems. That long-term problem, of course, being the economy," said Paul Glaser, vice president for business and finance.
While furlough further complicates some employees' current economic woes, those who make less than $23,660 will be exempted.
"One day of Furlough equals $100,000," said Glaser.
Most of the professors at GSC have taken "F-Day" with a grain of salt.
"Whatever is best for everyone. I look at Furlough Day as a common good," said Douglas Ealey, sociology professor.
"It would be nice if we didn't have Furlough Day, but we are all state employees and have to sacrifice," said Diane Cook, psychology professor.
The up side of the furlough days, according to professors, is that students are not affected negatively.
"I'm grateful that we are not shortchanging the students," said Douglass Young, political science professor. "Everybody dislikes losing pay, but it is important that everyone has to sacrifice."
In addition to students not being negatively impacted, no staff members will lose their jobs due to the economy.
"I would rather everyone keep their job than have layoffs," said Ealey.
Professors did not feel undermined by the Furlough Program, even though they have to make a significant sacrifice.
"I would like to think what I do is important, but there are more necessary things that have to be done as far as finances," said Cook.
"I will miss that little chunk of my paycheck," said Scott Kantor, collection management librarian.
"Let's make the best of it," said Clayton Teem, psychology professor.

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