<p>Any responsible CEO (which, in effect, a college pres is) always has to keep an eye on the bottom line, continually re-evaluating priorities and expenses.</p>
<p>That said, I have not heard complaints from my senior D about class sizes or prof availability. As a matter of fact, last Sunday afternoon she cut off an IM session with me to go meet with the prof of one of her elective classes --“He has Sunday office hours,” she explained. </p>
<p>The cuts/revisions to the dining program are well known.
Several international J-term options, which were heavily subsidized by the school, have been discontinued as well. 
Fortunately, my D had taken advantage of them her first and second years at Smith. </p>
<p>I heard President Christ speak this year, and while I can’t recall all the specifics, she made sense to me, and handled the “no holding back” question and answer session with aplomb. IF I recall correctly, she made a strong case that any cuts would be directed at non-essential aspects of college life, and that academics would not be sacrificed. </p>
<p>Just as one example I know of, certain meetings, including some attended mainly by students, used to have catered meals. These have been discontinued. </p>
<p>Naturally, there are some programs and majors that are growing, and some that are not. Staffing decisions would reflect that. Are the problems showing up in certain majors?</p>