Cuts force LSU to layoff instructors, eliminate services

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By Hannah Catchings

Over the holiday break, the dialogue concerning LSU's ongoing budget cuts resulted in a $12.6 million reduction in the university's operating budget. The announcement was somewhat of a surprise, as the cuts came with a sooner-than-anticipated start date.

This most recent trim brings the university's total budget cutback to $43 million in the past 13 months. With so many future decisions clouded in uncertainty, the wide-ranging effects have become increasingly noticeable.

"Very few good things come from budgets the size we [now] must handle," said Chancellor Michael Martin in an e-mail to Tiger Weekly. "We have streamlined administrative and support services, and we have eliminated several positions in administration. In the end, however, the quality and quantity of the services we provide will decline."

To make matters worse, additional cuts are expected.

"The State's revenue forecast remains gloomy," said Martin. "We've been told by state officials that, as a result, more cuts could be coming."

Financial troubles started back in January 2009 when funding for Louisiana colleges was cut by $55 million. By June, higher education throughout the state received an added cut of almost $110 million. During round three in December, state government learned that it had until mid-January to cut almost $250 million from Louisiana's budget, further reducing funding for higher education by $84 million. For the most part, these mid-year cuts were caused by a recurring decline in state revenue.

Robert Kuhn, the vice-provost for fiscal management and the associate vice-chancellor for finance and administrative services, explained that the university is making temporary cuts now, while preparing for more permanent rescissions in July.

"If we don't get any more support, then what we're going to have to do in July, at a minimum, is make these $12 million in cuts permanent," said Kuhn.

People all across campus are pointing fingers at the state, and Kuhn is no exception. In his opinion, a budget is defined by three parts. First and foremost, a budget is a plan expressed in dollars. Parts two and three allow for budgets to serve as both commitments and control mechanisms.

"When the state gave us a state appropriation last July, to me, they were making a commitment," said Kuhn. "Mid-year they said, 'Well, wait. We're not going to give you that.' So in a way that's breaking a commitment and then when that happens to us, then that happens across campus."

According to a January 8 press release from the Office of Public Affairs, temporary reductions include everything from laying off employees and eliminating vacant positions to reducing or even eliminating faculty travel, scientific equipment and technology upgrades. Some graduate assistantships as well as undergraduate student positions were also eliminated.

That being said, LSU is now taking legal precautions in anticipation of a fourth round of cuts this summer. The university sent out 219 notices Friday, Jan. 22, basically telling instructors they won't have jobs in 2011.

While these first letters were sent to instructors whose contracts legally require 12 months termination notice, the number is expected to grow to 130 part-time instructors and 354 full-time instructors. Overall, 484 faculty members are expected to receive job notices.

It is important to note that the actual number of terminations will depend on the severity of further cuts expected this summer. This means many terminations could be withdrawn or that some of the laid off faculty could be rehired at a lower cost with fewer teaching duties.

LSU English instructor Dr. Nathan Walters hasn't received his letter yet, calling the situation annoying and unprofessional. Due to the complex nature of academia hiring cycles, being let go in January 2011, the middle of an academic year, leaves instructors without work until the fall semester.

Nevertheless, instructors in the English department were called into a meeting Thursday, Jan. 14, where Dean Gaines Foster delivered the news.

"Most people, I think, were in shock," said Walters. "At that time, the instructors, as a group, made plans to meet and discuss if we would do anything, collectively, to respond to the news."

While unaffiliated with Dr. Walters, a constantly growing Facebook group titled Save LSU has banded together, hoping to "unite students, faculty, staff, alumni and Louisiana residents concerned about the devastating effects of recent and impending budget cuts on Louisiana State University."

English instructor Tania Nyman is the group's de facto leader, organizing and speaking at the Save LSU Memorial Service rally as well as at the Faculty Senate meeting last week.

"I was born and raised in Louisiana, and I'm old enough to remember when LSU was known primarily as a, quote-unquote, party school. But almost 10 years ago, the people in Louisiana decided we didn't want just a party school. We wanted a top-tier university. And we knew, as every American does, you get what you pay for," said Nyman in her memorial service address.

"LSU faculty has the attention of the State and the nation," Nyman stated during last week's Faculty Senate meeting. "We have the will of the people. I just know it."

The group's most recent endeavor began Friday, Jan. 22, with a petition drive kick-off, asking Gov. Bobby Jindal and state legislators to amend Louisiana's constitution and reform the state's tax structure so education won't be targeted in future budget cuts.

Alison Burbank, a fourth year liberal arts art history major, supports the Save LSU effort.

"Even if we can't save the jobs of some professors, we can still try to keep LSU at a level it is meant for," said Burbank. "If people aren't willing to accept a tax increase, then an increase in tuition is most likely the only way we can remain in high standards. I feel as though my last three and a half years have been fruitful, and I would like to think that I am getting my money's worth. LSU is a great school. If higher fees cause some to stray away, there are still plenty of options for them, but I would hate to see LSU fall into a lesser category of academia." 

As for the overall outcome of these changes, only time will tell.

Originally Published: Issue 862 - January 27, 2010

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