AICUP Message to Friends of Independent Higher Education
November 7, 2011
Senate Appropriations Holds Hearing on State System of Higher Education
The Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Jake Corman (R-Centre), continued its series of higher education hearings at Millersville University last week. Students and faculty from several state universities, including Millersville, West Chester, Lock Haven, Indiana, Shippensburg, Kutztown, Bloomsburg, Cheney and East Stroudsburg, testified before the Committee. Senators Wozniak (D-Cambria), Hughes (D-Philadelphia), Vance (R-Cumberland) and Smucker (R-Lancaster) were in attendance. Chancellor John Cavanaugh made opening and closing statements. Senator Corman reviewed the funding losses suffered by the State System, including the most recent 18 percent decrease. He noted that decreases and flat funding occurred over multiple administrations while the state general fund increased. Senator Hughes stated that the Commonwealth is “pulling away” from an investment in higher education. Mandate relief was discussed as a way to allow the State System to save money.
The auditorium where the hearing was held was packed with students, faculty, and administrators. Millersville University’s contributions were highlighted by the local Chamber of Commerce President who noted that MU is a model corporate citizen. Several similar partnerships between business and various state universities were discussed. Students from several different universities testified about the importance of their university to them.
Three faculty members testified about the impact of the budget cuts. They said that almost 90 percent of State System students are state residents, and 80 percent of alumni stay in Pennsylvania after graduation. Dr. Francisco Alarcon of Indiana University stated that “the fiscal challenges of recent years have hindered our ability to serve students” by reducing faculty mentorship, individualized attention and research opportunities.” In a September survey conducted by the faculty union of the state system (APSCUF), more than 95 percent of faculty reported that they had experienced the impact of state budget cuts on their campus. These impacts included larger class sizes and fewer courses. The State System has requested a 2.1 percent budget increase or $8.6 million over the prior year in their September budget request to the Governor.
AICUP Message to Friends of Independent Higher Education
November 7, 2011
Senate Appropriations Holds Hearing on State System of Higher Education
The Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Jake Corman (R-Centre), continued its series of higher education hearings at Millersville University last week. Students and faculty from several state universities, including Millersville, West Chester, Lock Haven, Indiana, Shippensburg, Kutztown, Bloomsburg, Cheney and East Stroudsburg, testified before the Committee. Senators Wozniak (D-Cambria), Hughes (D-Philadelphia), Vance (R-Cumberland) and Smucker (R-Lancaster) were in attendance. Chancellor John Cavanaugh made opening and closing statements. Senator Corman reviewed the funding losses suffered by the State System, including the most recent 18 percent decrease. He noted that decreases and flat funding occurred over multiple administrations while the state general fund increased. Senator Hughes stated that the Commonwealth is “pulling away” from an investment in higher education. Mandate relief was discussed as a way to allow the State System to save money.
The auditorium where the hearing was held was packed with students, faculty, and administrators. Millersville University’s contributions were highlighted by the local Chamber of Commerce President who noted that MU is a model corporate citizen. Several similar partnerships between business and various state universities were discussed. Students from several different universities testified about the importance of their university to them.
Three faculty members testified about the impact of the budget cuts. They said that almost 90 percent of State System students are state residents, and 80 percent of alumni stay in Pennsylvania after graduation. Dr. Francisco Alarcon of Indiana University stated that “the fiscal challenges of recent years have hindered our ability to serve students” by reducing faculty mentorship, individualized attention and research opportunities.” In a September survey conducted by the faculty union of the state system (APSCUF), more than 95 percent of faculty reported that they had experienced the impact of state budget cuts on their campus. These impacts included larger class sizes and fewer courses. The State System has requested a 2.1 percent budget increase or $8.6 million over the prior year in their September budget request to the Governor.