Students, staff and faculty at the University of Connecticut are reeling in response to an announcement from the administration that academic programs would have to endure a 15% budget cut over the next five years. Although we’re not on the payroll of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research, the Opinion section thought it might be nice to give the university’s accountants a few better ideas for how to save money. This week, Opinion writers answer the following question: What is a better way to save money at UConn?
Nell Srinath, Opinion Editor: Defund the School of Business. If they’re good students, they can raise their own money. Just slap a public relations buzzword like “experiential learning” on there and call it a day. Hell, UConn might even glean some sponsorships from similarly ethical companies like WeWork, Uber and Instacart that share in the mission of ‘hustle and grind”-ing people to the bone.
Dan Stark, Associate Opinion Editor: Until we can win more than three damn games a year, it’s time for UConn Football to be dismantled. And maybe the golf team too while we’re at it.
Tomas Hinckley, Weekly Columnist: Get rid of North Campus. All of it. Nothing good happens at North. We have evolved past the need for North.
Luke Feeney, Weekly Columnist: I say that if they want to cut 15% of our academic budget, we should cut our year-long sabbatical pay by 15%. Looking at you Susan Herbst (Reject Herbst Hall, Oak Hall forever!)