Iowa students worry about budget cuts' effect on quality

University of Iowa students told President Sally Mason last night they understand that tough budget decisions are necessary, but their concern is that quality be maintained despite the reductions.

“I'm more concerned with the quality of education, that the value of our degree might go down even as we're paying more,” UI junior Trystan Woods, 23, said after last night's forum. “It's just really frustrating, but that's kind of the name of the game right now.”

About 15 students turned out for the forum to discuss tuition and the budget with Mason, Provost Wallace Loh and student leaders.

None of the students spoke against next year's proposed 6 percent tuition increase, which state regents will act on in February, or the $100 spring semester tuition surcharge, which the regents will vote on next week.

Rather, the students who spoke were more concerned about maintaining quality in the face of reduced state appropriations.

“What areas are you looking to cut in the long term?” sophomore Patrick Cornally, 19, asked.

UI leaders likely will reduce programs and graduate programs and reallocate dollars strategically to focus on areas of strength, Mason said.

“There will be a lot of things we don't do,” she said.

Mason said the UI has seen a $65 million reduction in its general fund budget, and about 25 percent of it has come in the past 15 months because of several rounds of cuts. For the first time, tuition revenues make up more of the general budget than state money.

Priorities during the cuts include maintaining academic quality, protecting student financial aid and avoiding layoffs if possible, Mason said.

The spring semester surcharge will help maintain faculty jobs, she said. And even with a 6 percent increase next year, the UI's tuition would be the lowest in the Big Ten Conference, she said.