Riggo

It would appear from reading the press that the entire public higher education system is in Arizona is in crisis because of severe funding cuts. The governor is telling the universities to prepare for cuts of 20% next year on top of severe cuts this year. The University of Arizona is looking to eliminate 600 jobs and many programs.

To help bridge some of the shortfalls, the schools are looking to increase out-of-state enrollments, while holding the number of in-state students constant. Where are they going to put these extra people? Will they have enough dorm space? Are they going to squeeze more people into existing dorms? Will current residents be squeezed off campus?
Will campus life be compromised?

Beyond that, what will be the impact on the quality of education? Programs cut? Larger classes? Difficulty getting into classes? More online classes? Difficulty completing programs in four years? Good professors leaving?

While all schools are being hit, it looks like Arizona is being hit much harder than anyone else and is facing extraordinary budget cuts. I’m wondering if the current problems are causing anyone to rethink their decision to apply to or attend University of Arizona, Arizona State, or Northern Arizona?

and1baller753

i will be attending the university of arizona next year. the budget cuts do bother me because money is an issue for my family. however, i will still be attending. UA's tuition compared to other large big time sport schools is alot cheaper. UA's tuition will stabalize once the economy stabalizes. if money is a large issue then you should not be going to an arizona state school if your from out of state and you should be going to a school from your state. luckily i am still able to attend even though its a lot of money.

JDHarms

Dorm prices are already going up. They might add a new dorm, who knows. My money is on just encouraging people to look off-campus by raising dorm prices.

UAKat

I think the budget crisis is blown a little out of proportion. A fraction of the school's income comes from state funding. For example... let's say 1/4. The remaining 75% is generated from tuition, fees, parking, sporting events... etc. The decrease in state funding will only affect the portion contributed by states.

Riggo

Perhaps it is overblown, but here is what University of Arizona President Robert Sheldon said in a prepared statement on January 15, 2009:

"Earlier today legislative leadership put forward figures on possible cuts to higher education in the State of Arizona. They have suggested mid-year cuts to the university system that could total $243 million – approximately one-quarter of the entire budget, with a total reduction of $388 million into fiscal year 2010.

"Mid-year cuts to the University of Arizona would total $103 million under this scenario.

"These figures are so extreme that they would absolutely cripple higher education in our state. At the very time that our state needs to stimulate the economy, the Legislature is talking about absolutely devastating cuts to the most powerful economic engine in our state. If enacted, these cuts would compound the current economic challenges in our state and make it harder for Arizona to recover from the recession. This is simply irresponsible.

"The state needs to protect its universities – not dismantle them – if it has any hope of building an economy for the future or aspiring to more than mediocrity.

"We are very conscious of the difficult deficit challenge facing the state, and all three universities are prepared to do their part to cut budgets. But cuts of this magnitude would
bring irreparable damage. It would force the closure of colleges, increase the costs for attendance, and ultimately cut access to the best hope of a better way of life for our young people.

"Compounding the budget cuts are proposals to micro-manage the universities. This is simply unacceptable.

"We plan to continue conversations with the governor and key legislators, and to focus on helping them understand the key role that The University of Arizona plays in spurring the
economy, improving the quality of life in the state and affording access to upward mobility.

"And we encourage every citizen of this state who cares about their quality of life – who wants their children or grandchildren to have an opportunity to attend a quality university – to speak up now and to speak loudly."

UAKat

Proposals like that are scary. Thanks for the post Riggo. Please keep us updated with more budget news!

arizonagirl007

I read that they are building new dorms for the class of 2011. And as for the budget, I talked to a member from the house of reps and she said that if Jan Brewer accepts the money from the stimulus plan,then cuts won't be so excruciating.