University shortcomings because of budget cuts could not only hurt current students, but could also take away some prestige from degrees of University alumni, Chancellor Michael Martin said Wednesday.Martin’s budget update to the Staff Senate at its monthly meeting stressed the importance of maintaining the University’s reputation amid the financial obstacles it now faces. “The value of your LSU pedigree depends not on how good the institution was when you were there, but on how good it is now,” Martin said.Martin said maintaining the significance of all University degrees is the reason academics must not suffer. He said when students attend the University, they enter a contract with the state — they work hard, and in return, the state promises them a valuable education.”You cannot violate the covenant between the state and those students that they would have a quality education,” Martin said.The chancellor also spoke about the University’s reorganization and said it is not meant as a money-saving measure.The purpose of realigning the University departments is to create a more efficient academic setting and to show the University is being proactive in being the best it can be, Martin said.”We want to realign, be more effective in the long run and, in the process, send a message to the legislature that the flagship is dedicated to making itself better all the time,” Martin said. “There is some substance and some symbolism there.” Jason Droddy, director of the chancellor’s office, told the Senate the best thing they can do now is spread the word about the situation’s severity.”I would presume our staff covers about 28 legislative districts,” Droddy said. “You can go back to the many districts you live in, talk to people and let them know how you feel about LSU and how concerned you are.”The Senate and chancellor agreed on the importance of spreading first-hand information about the budget. Martin said news tends to get caught up in “rhetoric and hyperbole.” Staff Senate President Patricia Beste said confusion about the cuts is a problem among staff, which is why plans are in motion for several small meetings among the chancellor and staff members who may not be properly informed.”We want to target facility services, as they may not have as much access as some of us who are on our computers all day,” Beste said. “If we have layoffs or furloughs, it will affect people who aren’t as highly paid or haven’t been here as long, and facility services has a high turnover because there are so many positions.”Though the situation is daunting, Martin said he will do everything possible to protect the University and jobs.”I happen to be a pathological optimist,” he said.—-Contact Ryan Buxton at [email protected]
Martin: Students, state ‘covenant’ must remain intact
April 14, 2009