Mason calls the right plays

University of Iowa President Sally Mason says the water tower will have to wait.

She won't spend “precious dollars” to Hawkify the oh-so-white water tower near Kinnick Stadium. The budget's just too tight.

Disappointing perhaps, but entirely prudent, we believe. And it's just one of many correct calls Mason is making as she tries to guide the university through very tight times.

State revenues are down 20-plus percent compared to a year ago. That's bad news for state universities, although federal stimulus money has given campus leaders breathing room to plan for streamlining.

There have been funding cuts and job reductions, and more “significant” cuts are on the way, Mason said this week. One piece of good news is that response to the university's early retirement offer has exceeded expectations, with 400 applications so far. It's uncertain how many will be approved and whether the savings will be enough to hold off layoffs.

Still, through all the bad budget news, Mason and other university leaders deserve credit for doing as much as they have to lessen the impact of cuts on students.

Mason said there have been no cuts in financial aid. And so far, tuition increases have been relatively modest.

The university has been working to squeeze revenue from other areas, including program sponsorships and philanthropy.

Sponsored programs and foundation fundraising brought in more

than $600 million combined.

The UI is also doing more to make sure freshmen become sophomores. Faculty have volunteered to teach freshman seminars with hopes of making early connections with new students. Half of Iowa freshmen will have such seminars this year with a goal of providing them for all freshmen next year.

Mason said that every 1 percent increase in freshman retention equals $2 million in revenue. “We're investing a lot in making the experience as good as we possibly can... . We know the connections are important.”

The good news is, despite the sour economy, enrollment is still rising and is likely to hit record levels again this fall.

That includes a record number of international students, thanks to overseas outreach efforts.

Mason said a push to secure more program sponsorships and private donations will continue, with hopes of softening the brunt of more budget cuts. She's optimistic donations will continue to pour in.

And just maybe, Mason said, a private donor will step forward and pay to paint a Tigerhawk on the water tower.