SGA's 'State of the College Address' encourages student involvement in Budget Crisis
SGA pres asks students to participate in rally at the capitol on March 15
Daniel Dove
Issue date: 2/17/10 Section: News
Today the Student Government Association gave a "State of the College Address" to raise awareness among Gainesville State College students of proposed budget cuts to the University System of Georgia.
At the moment, it seems a tuition hike will not be used to make up for the cuts. "There are no plans to raise tuition. I want to be very clear about this," Andrew Wilkinson, president of SGA, said.
Regardless, the cuts proposed would be devastating. The USG is looking to make up for $330 million, of which GSC will be responsible for cutting $3.37 million.
"This massive cut will affect all that we know. Any cut to our budget will mean significant change," Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson outlined where the cuts would come from. GSC plans to trim the budget by reducing money spent on utilities, student workers, and other aspects of campus operation.
According to the proposal, GSC will not fill 16 positions that the school had looked to hire for next year. While this measure does not cut current jobs, it prohibits growth and expansion.
"(GSC) will not receive funding for more staff, meaning it will be harder to find the classes you need," said Wilkinson. "This could mean a delay in graduation."
Another idea proposed in the new budget is to eliminate the Regents' Test, and all programs associated with it. As of now, the Regents' Test is required for graduation from GSC.
"Colleges and universities can request an exemption (from the Regents'). GSC is currently in the process of requesting an exemption," Margaret Bailey, assistant to the vice president for academic affairs, said.
GSC has also proposed a cut of $345 thousand on utility bills. "Meaning it will be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter," said Wilkinson. Utilities cost include grounds keeping and maintenance. Wilkinson expressed concern that the famed beauty of campus would diminish.
The student workers on campus could be reduced by 50 percent if the changes are made. "I cannot give you information on what departments, but we could lose 50 percent of our student workers," said Wilkinson.
At the moment, it seems a tuition hike will not be used to make up for the cuts. "There are no plans to raise tuition. I want to be very clear about this," Andrew Wilkinson, president of SGA, said.
Regardless, the cuts proposed would be devastating. The USG is looking to make up for $330 million, of which GSC will be responsible for cutting $3.37 million.
"This massive cut will affect all that we know. Any cut to our budget will mean significant change," Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson outlined where the cuts would come from. GSC plans to trim the budget by reducing money spent on utilities, student workers, and other aspects of campus operation.
According to the proposal, GSC will not fill 16 positions that the school had looked to hire for next year. While this measure does not cut current jobs, it prohibits growth and expansion.
"(GSC) will not receive funding for more staff, meaning it will be harder to find the classes you need," said Wilkinson. "This could mean a delay in graduation."
Another idea proposed in the new budget is to eliminate the Regents' Test, and all programs associated with it. As of now, the Regents' Test is required for graduation from GSC.
"Colleges and universities can request an exemption (from the Regents'). GSC is currently in the process of requesting an exemption," Margaret Bailey, assistant to the vice president for academic affairs, said.
GSC has also proposed a cut of $345 thousand on utility bills. "Meaning it will be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter," said Wilkinson. Utilities cost include grounds keeping and maintenance. Wilkinson expressed concern that the famed beauty of campus would diminish.
The student workers on campus could be reduced by 50 percent if the changes are made. "I cannot give you information on what departments, but we could lose 50 percent of our student workers," said Wilkinson.
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