MSU needs to cut from right areas

We are experiencing a real “sign of the times” moment at MSU. The economy has plummeted, and although it appears we have hit the bottom, we do not know how long we will be here.

Eric Thieleman

The unemployment rate in the country is 10.2 percent and 15.3 percent in Michigan — both the highest in decades. With these unemployment rates and the lack of faith in the financial structure of our country, budget cuts are more than likely.

In truth for many at MSU, budget cuts is all that matters with the economy being in such a state. We are witnessing these cuts here, as are many others. Most businesses have been making cuts for months, and even years in some cases. It is not the need for cuts that is surprising, it is where these cuts are taking place. The university seems to be cutting entire academic programs, but other areas seem to be getting a pass — things that might not be academic.

Some of you may think I mean athletics, and by now you are starting the lecture about how athletics is independent of the university. I am not speaking of athletics at all; in fact, I would argue that athletics will be the only thing producing a steady stream of money for the university. No, I am speaking about the fact that while the university is cutting entire programs, it is keeping other things that do not really serve the purpose of the entire university community.

Diversity and inclusion programs really have no use at MSU today. Those programs are supposed to ensure equality and inclusion for minorities. However, we have moved past that state of mind, especially on a college campus, and those programs only serve to maintain the thought that a difference exists between people. Without being constantly reminded that whites and blacks (or whatever races you wish) are different from one another by those in diversity awareness roles, we really wouldn’t think much about it because this world has more pressing issues. These programs across the entire university should drastically be cut, if not eliminated, for the simple fact that they only serve a certain part of the student body and are irrelevant in these times. These programs should not be kept over programs that are inclusive of all students.

Another area that should be cut before academic programs is the salaries of the faculty. Businesses across the country have been forced to dramatically cut payroll, and even cut employees completely, it is time for MSU to follow suit. For example, Based on 2007 salary numbers, university President Lou Anna K. Simon is making $495,000, Provost Kim Wilcox is making $288,000 and even an adviser to the president is making more than $200,000.

The point is, if each of them took a 50 percent pay cut like many people in this country are being forced to do, that would amount to nearly half a million dollars; enough to pay for the Veterinary Technology Program that is on the list of programs recommended to be cut. The fact that those three people can cut their income in half and still live comfortably should be a sign that it’s time to cut.

To only cut in the administration would not be fair, and would not solve the rest of the programs’ futures. If all professors making more than $100,000 were cut off at that mark, there likely would be enough money to make up for all the programs being cut.

The impact of the cuts needs to be felt by everyone, not just the students. Tuition has increased consistently for years, yet the quality of the education has not improved. Now students on campus are forced to purchase the most expensive meal plan, and in return the students receive smaller portions, and, quite frankly, sub-par food.

There also is the issue of remodeling different buildings. Mary Mayo and Snyder-Philips halls did not need to be completely rebuilt, nor did Brody. The impending renovation of Hubbard Hall is completely unnecessary, especially when the university is cutting academic programs.

MSU is supposed to be an institution of higher learning; it is not a hotel looking for prospective customers, nor is it a diversity training ground. The administration needs to get back to education and away from diversity and overindulging both professors and themselves. I can only hope these ideas are already underway for the future students who are being left a university losing its educational focus.

Eric Thieleman is a State News guest columnist and political science senior. Reach him at thielem4@msu.edu.