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SUNNY Temp: 53 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Thursday, November 21, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend September 12, 2002 Students will feel SOU budget pinch By TONY BOOM Mail Tribune ASHLAND — Larger classes, fewer electives and longer waits in lines await Southern Oregon University students this fall as a result of state budget cuts. More than a dozen faculty positions were left unfilled while fewer adjunct faculty and temporary support staff will be hired — all to help balance SOU’s budget. "A lot of things are being held back. Enrollment will impact hiring," said President Elisabeth Zinser. A 1 percent enrollment increase is expected this fall. Last year the institution had 5,469 students. Classes begin Sept. 30. Just seven of 22 vacant faculty positions were filled this year. Resignations and retirements created the vacancies. A total of 16 vacant non-academic positions have been left unfilled. Approximately 20 temporary adjunct faculty appointees have not been rehired. There have been no layoffs. SOU will see a reduction of $2.7 million in state support for the biennium that ends June 30 as a result of decreasing state tax revenues. The current special legislative session could lead to additional cuts. The university will receive $38 million from the state. The institution had already saved $1.3 million last year through reduced spending and lower account balances. Planning for the cutbacks started a year ago when a decline in state revenues appeared likely. "We saw the writing on the wall and the need to reposition ourselves," said Zinser. "We got a little bit ahead of the curve." Out-of-state and graduate students will see tuition increase by 5 percent rather than 3 percent as previously planned. Oregon resident undergraduate students will see a 3 percent increase as originally planned. "We’ve been trying very hard to hold to that," said Zinser. The institution has chosen to concentrate on core classes that students need to graduate. Some class sections have been eliminated. As a result, there may be 35 students in a class that would have had 30 last year, Zinser said. "That’s not enough to do major damage," said Zinser. "It places more burden on the professor." The freshman colloquium, a year-long sequence designed to keep students together while they study basic subjects, will have larger classes. Student lines at financial aid, the business services and the registrar’s offices will probably be longer because fewer workers will be available. On-campus delivery service has been cut back. Grounds and custodial services also have been reduced. SOU has maintained its current mix of degree programs, but will spend this year scrutinizing its offerings. Some program areas might be cut even though it could result in a loss of students, said Zinser. Another cut of $38 million for the Oregon University System is projected if the current special session takes no action, which is unlikely. SOU’s potential reduction amount in that scenario is unknown. "We are encouraged that the Legislature is trying to come up with some sort of balance," said Ron Bolstad, vice president of administration and finance. Still, officials think some sort of additional reduction is probable. "We’re not sitting here supposing there will not be some sort of cut," said Zinser. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy webmaster feedback A D V E R T I S E R S