The MSU faculty asked the university for a 4.25 percent salary increase next year, leaving administrators with a big decision on their hands. The faculty has even offered to offset the cost by paying more for health care in return.

MSU's faculty certainly deserves a reward for its hard work. Outstanding faculty members are one of the reasons MSU wins respect across the nation. Many of MSU's programs repeatedly receive high ratings by publications such as U.S. News & World Report.

But, as much as faculty deserves to be compensated for their work, a wage increase could have detrimental effects in other areas.

The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed a bill that awards MSU $20 million for renovations. But, because this money already is designated for repairs, MSU might have to find other places to gather the financial resources to make the faculty's requests possible. The university continues to receive budget cuts from the state and might lose $5 million from its general operating budget this year.

And there are other groups clamoring for the university's money.

Students don't want to see an increase in their tuition. A raise in tuition to compensate for a faculty salary increase could take a toll on students' abilities to attend the university. Some people argue that students should be MSU's number one priority.

On top of this, the Graduate Employees Union, or GEU, demonstrated yesterday to increase awareness on its ongoing contract struggle with administrators. The GEU objects to the university's refusal to offer its members a wage raise to account for cost-of-living increases, among other things. In past editorials, The State News has stated that the union members should be afforded their requests.

Administrators must weigh all these concerns and make the best decision based on the university's needs and vision. All of these groups are important, and each stands to lose if an uncalculated decision is made - especially those making the decisions.