YSU Sweet explains proposed cuts' effect

Among the state's 13 public universities, YSU spends the least per student.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Dr. Rochelle Ruffer thinks state legislators should take a course in economics to give them a better grasp of higher education.
"They don't understand," she said. "The benefits are far beyond just the people getting degrees. Where are their priorities?"
Ruffer, an associate professor of economics at Youngstown State University, was reacting to a "Campus Conversation" discussion Thursday by YSU President David C. Sweet.
Sweet explained to faculty, staff and students how proposed state cuts to higher-education funding and a cap on tuition increases could mean a $5.5 million budget deficit in fiscal year 2004 -- and the elimination of 27 full-time campus positions.
Ruffer referred to information presented by Sweet that shows how the Ohio House budget proposal would cut higher-education funding by 5 percent while increasing funding by 1 percent to 23 percent in all other areas.
Helping the community
What they don't seem to understand, she said, is that educated residents help their communities by becoming part of a work force that can stimulate the economy by bringing in business.
Sal Sanders, an associate professor of health professions, said faculty doesn't want to see cuts that affect students.
"I think we're used to running on tight budget constraints, but there comes a point when you can't cut anymore," Sanders said. "We've been running so low for so long, we'll hit a breaking point eventually."
Sweet pointed out that YSU, according to fiscal year 2001 figures, has the lowest general expenditures per student -- $9,002 per year -- among the state's 13 public universities.
He also said that goals at YSU are to maintain classroom instruction, maintain enrollment and student-retention programs, maintain security and avoid layoffs.
He encouraged the YSU community to be aware of budget decisions as the House proposal moves through the state Senate this month and in June. He also said the state's 850,000 university alumni must be vocal to their senators and ask that funding be maintained, that a tuition cap be fair to low-tuition universities, and that a minimum-funding "guarantee" not be eliminated.
"We're right at the edge in terms of our ability to cut back vacant positions, to cut back operating costs," Sweet said. "We don't have any wiggle room. If we're asked to go beyond that $5.5 million [cut], we're back to the drawing board."
Tony Spano, a business administration senior and coordinator of student programming, said students realize responsibility lies with the state, but there are concerns.
"They've got to work harder, work more," he said, adding that he works two jobs and has taken out loans to help foot his tuition bill.
Proposed cuts
Eliminating the 27 full-time positions would slash $1.3 million from YSU's budget figures. Other proposed cuts to the 2004 budget include $1.5 million from a strategic initiative/improvement fund; $1.8 million from operating expenses; $100,000 by means of freezing administrative salaries; $150,000 by closing Metro College sites in Niles and Austintown; and $650,000 in other cutbacks.
Eliminated positions include five faculty jobs and various administrative and staff positions.
Ruffer said a concern was which types of positions are eliminated. She added, however, that the economics department has replaced a retired faculty member.
"I think they're trying to take a terrible situation and turn it around," Ruffer said, referring to university administrators. "I think they really are trying to maintain instruction."
viviano@vindy.com