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Universities prepare for budget cuts with 'less is more' motto
UO will add $150 subcharge for in-state residents taking 8 credits or more, but OSU has promised not to raise tuition
Millie Reinhardsen
Issue date: 3/10/09 Section: News
When it comes to budgeting for Oregon colleges next year, the motto "less is more" appears to be the hopeful mantra for the cutbacks made by universities - such as Portland State University, University of Oregon, Clackamas Community College and Oregon State University.
With the global economy in a slump, state budgeting for colleges in Oregon has hit an all-time low. It is estimated that in 2009, state funding will drop about 20 to 30 percent and will remain so for the next two years until to 2011.
This means that some schools might have to eliminate some courses, increase class sizes, raise tuition and cut down on hiring new staff members.
Although the universities will not know the final statement of the budget cutbacks until late May or early June, many are already preparing for how to deal with their financial situations.
Portland State University is considering an increase in class sizes and an elimination of class offerings for next year, as Clackamas Community College may increase their tuition by $5 with $67 per credit to alleviate the cutbacks. Though, these conditions may change accordingly when the final statement is released.
The University of Oregon, however, has already gained the Board of Higher Education's approval for a tuition subcharge on Friday, March 6, 2009. According to UO's website, Jim Bean, the University of Oregon senior vice president and provost, this "subcharge" will be $150 for resident students and $350 for non-resident students who are enrolled in 8 or more credits, and will take effect for spring 2009.
"There are challenges ahead, but we are all well positioned to address these difficult economic times," Bean wrote on the university's website.
The UO President, Dave Frohnmayer also noted on the website that 30 percent of the tuition revenues from the subcharge will be provided as need-based financial aid in order to preserve access into the university.
The UO president and administration are working very closely with students to discuss the need for the subcharge and how to help students manage the increase, Bean posted on the website. The subcharge is to serve as an alternate to decreasing classes, courses, faculty, staff and other factors that may impact student success and time of graduation.
With the global economy in a slump, state budgeting for colleges in Oregon has hit an all-time low. It is estimated that in 2009, state funding will drop about 20 to 30 percent and will remain so for the next two years until to 2011.
This means that some schools might have to eliminate some courses, increase class sizes, raise tuition and cut down on hiring new staff members.
Although the universities will not know the final statement of the budget cutbacks until late May or early June, many are already preparing for how to deal with their financial situations.
Portland State University is considering an increase in class sizes and an elimination of class offerings for next year, as Clackamas Community College may increase their tuition by $5 with $67 per credit to alleviate the cutbacks. Though, these conditions may change accordingly when the final statement is released.
The University of Oregon, however, has already gained the Board of Higher Education's approval for a tuition subcharge on Friday, March 6, 2009. According to UO's website, Jim Bean, the University of Oregon senior vice president and provost, this "subcharge" will be $150 for resident students and $350 for non-resident students who are enrolled in 8 or more credits, and will take effect for spring 2009.
"There are challenges ahead, but we are all well positioned to address these difficult economic times," Bean wrote on the university's website.
The UO President, Dave Frohnmayer also noted on the website that 30 percent of the tuition revenues from the subcharge will be provided as need-based financial aid in order to preserve access into the university.
The UO president and administration are working very closely with students to discuss the need for the subcharge and how to help students manage the increase, Bean posted on the website. The subcharge is to serve as an alternate to decreasing classes, courses, faculty, staff and other factors that may impact student success and time of graduation.
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