2008 Woodie Awards
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Frohnmayer right about state funding to a point
Editorial
by Emerald Editorial Board |
Frohnmayer wants more control in allocating what funds the University has. This would, in effect, restructure the school's method of budgeting to more closely resemble that of a private school. The supposed benefit of such a move would be more freedom in determining costs for tuition, and in allocating money for scholarships and student financial aid. The short-term implications of this, however, would only stand to hurt incoming students. While it's true that more financial aid would be allocated, it would still only go to students whose parents reside in lower tax brackets. Middle and upper-middle class students and their parents would be forced to take out bigger loans, resulting in higher debt upon graduation. This could ultimately end up in students turning to other universities to get more for their money.
The first phase of Frohnmayer's autonomy-oriented governance would likely be a further increase in the cost of tuition. More than one-third of revenue generated by the University during the 2006-07 school year came from tuition and fees. This compares to 27 percent earned through donations and contracts, and just 13 percent from the state general fund. If Frohnmayer has his way, the years to come may see those numbers become even more lopsided.
This is not acceptable for students. Though the University's president has a point when he says the state needs to do a better job of funding the University, his alternative of greater control only stands to hurt students in the short run. It is clear then that only one viable solution remains. The state of Oregon must fund its flagship university. And though the amount of money needed to put the University on par with its peers across the country won't come overnight, it's time to start heading in the right direction.
The first phase of Frohnmayer's autonomy-oriented governance would likely be a further increase in the cost of tuition. More than one-third of revenue generated by the University during the 2006-07 school year came from tuition and fees. This compares to 27 percent earned through donations and contracts, and just 13 percent from the state general fund. If Frohnmayer has his way, the years to come may see those numbers become even more lopsided.
This is not acceptable for students. Though the University's president has a point when he says the state needs to do a better job of funding the University, his alternative of greater control only stands to hurt students in the short run. It is clear then that only one viable solution remains. The state of Oregon must fund its flagship university. And though the amount of money needed to put the University on par with its peers across the country won't come overnight, it's time to start heading in the right direction.
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