The Red and Black

Issue date: 9/26/08 Section: News

ADAMS

Budget cuts continue to be the hottest issue on campus, but avoiding layoffs is still the No. 1 priority, University President Michael Adams said Wednesday.

Adams told the University Council the completed Archway to Excellence Campaign, which started with a goal of $500 million, collected $653 million.

"But I will remind you that most of that money is restricted. I do not believe donations are the answer to the operating budget," he said.

To help the budget, a proposal suggested centers and institutes annually create "a detailed set of goals and metrics in order to measure their progress and to make sure they are adding value to the institution," said David Shipley, a law professor and chair of the Curriculum Committee.

The proposal stirred discussion among council members.

"I'm very opposed to this," said Doris Kadish, research professor of Romance languages and a member of the University Libraries Committee. "It is very unclear and you asked for no input from us. Why we are being held to a different standard is beyond me. I think this sends a chilling tone to interdisciplinary units."

Susan Thomas, an associate professor of music and women's studies, said she already juggles work between two institutes.

"If we have to answer questions yearly, I'm worried about my productivity," she said.

Chris Cuomo, director of women's studies, said she was glad there would be better records of what centers and institutes are doing but said she is "blind-sided by the fact that we did not get input."

She also questioned why institutes should be held to a "higher level of scrutiny" than departments.

The proposal is "going back to the drawing board" because "we have no problem with taking a step back and asking for input," said Robert Scott, associate vice president for research, said.

Provost Arnett Mace said though centers and institutes are valuable, a large number exist without operating.

When all the centers and institutes were located last year, "we learned of a number that we didn't even know existed," he said.

Student Government Association President Connor McCarthy said "there is great concern that the student body is not feeling the budget cuts" and encouraged professors to remind students in class about problems involving the campus

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