President addresses financial
dilemmas
By Kurt Esposito
Assistant
Campus Editor
Wednesday night Purdue president Martin Jischke
told students it would be disastrous for the University if Purdue does
not get the funds it had hoped for.
Jischke addressed students during Purdue Student
Government's senate meeting about the possible implications if Purdue
does not receive adequate funds during the next two years. These implications
include limited funding for new buildings.
Due to a drop in the state revenue, the Indiana
State Legislature has predicted that it would not be able to give Purdue
the funds it wants for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 school years.
"It's a serious matter for all of us at Purdue,
including students," said Jischke.
Jischke said Purdue proposed an initial budget
to the legislature that included funds for inflationary adjustments
for salary and operating budgets and the new visual and performing arts
center.
Jischke said a second budget, one which would better
benefit the University, has already been proposed by the legislature,
but that budget does not include funds for inflationary costs.
Jischke said the proposed budget is only in the
early stages and, despite recent rumors, there have been no discussions
concerning student fees.
"We are a very long way from discussions on student
fees," said Jischke.
Jischke said that if Purdue does not get the budget
it wants, the administration would work to provide the best education
possible to students.
"I will not let the quality of Purdue slip. I did
not come here for any other purpose than to make this a better University,"
said Jischke.
Jessica Cavallo, student body president pro tempore,
said she was glad that Jischke was informing students about the potential
budget crisis.
"I think it is incredibly important to keep students
informed on the situation because it will affect all students," said
Cavallo.
Also at Wednesday night’s meeting, the senators
passed two bills – one for a budget for a new computer and one
for a budget for a trip to the Association of Big Ten Students 2001
Conference.
Also during the meeting, senators sent two bills
to committee for review – one bill to establish a way for students
living in the Purdue Village to be appointed as senators and a bill
proposing a budget for "Celebrating EveryBODY," a week-long program
to promote positive self-image, sponsored by the Student Wellness Office.
|
