The University’s bells and whistles — no matter how prestigious — may be getting the boot July 1. LSU Press, the LSU Museum of Art and the Hilltop Arboretum are just a few of the institutions that may have to deal with the loss of University funding if worst-case scenario budget cuts become law. “There’s this notion that accepting reality means we enjoy it,” said Chancellor Michael Martin. “And that isn’t true. You’ve got to accept reality.” The University is facing a budget reduction of about $45 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and the elimination of about 400 jobs as well as several program eliminations will result, according to the University’s preliminary budget plan, released on April 2. Martin said while institutions like LSU Press greatly benefit the University, they are not completely vital to the “academic core” — a spot reserved for students, faculty, staff and programs.”My job is, in some respects, to be the guy that plans for the worst and hopes for the best,” Martin said. Other institutions that may lose funding include the Rural Life Museum, Southern Review literary journal and the Louisiana Library Network. By not funding the institutions, the University would save $4.1 million, according to its preliminary budget plan. “They’re all going to have to rely on private funding, and that’s going to be a huge challenge,” said David Cronrath, College of Art & Design dean.Cronrath said the Hilltop Arboretum is heavily connected to the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture, offering its students a place to conduct experiments and learn about horticulture. The Hilltop Arboretum also offers children’s camps and learning programs for adults, he said. The LSU Museum of Art is in the middle of celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is in the process of completing accreditation with the American Association of Museums, said its executive director Tom Livesay. “I can only hope that the Museum of Art will not be closed,” Livesay said.LSU Press publishes about 80 new books each year, all with a focus on the South. Three Pulitzer Prize winners have come out of LSU Press, according to its Web site. The Press’s most famous novel, “A Confederacy of Dunces,” was published in 1980. A dark comedy set in New Orleans, the novel won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize. LSU Press Director MaryKatherine Callaway was not available for comment before press time. The 2009 legislative session ends next Thursday. Until then, Cronrath, Livesay and Callaway are patiently waiting and making sure legislators are informed about their institutions. “We’re all really hopeful that Governor Jindal’s proposed budget is not the one we’re left with,” Cronrath said. In his original budget, Jindal had higher education taking a $219 million — or 15 percent — funding cut to help make up for an expected $1.3 billion revenue shortfall next fiscal year. Jindal has since vowed to reduce the cuts to 10 percent or below.Go read Kyle’s “Eye on the Budget” budget cuts blog.—-Contact Kyle Bove at [email protected]