Economy forces cuts
Laura Howell
Issue date: 3/27/09 Section: News
Laura Howell
Executive Editor
Florida Southern College, just like almost everything, everyone and everywhere, has been affected by the current economic state of the nation.
As a result of a weakening economy, actions have had to be taken on campus to help FSC survive financially and maintain levels of affordability and credibility.
"Given the recession, there is no reason to believe that FSC is untouched," Dr. James Byrd, the dean of art and sciences, said.
As many students have heard, or are hearing for the first time, FSC has had to cut faculty teaching positions by either not renewing contracts or not hiring new professors in various academic departments around campus due to economic reasons.
The English, graphic design, psychology, education and nursing departments have been affected by these cuts.
Dr. Patrick Smith, the chair of the psychology department, said that colleges and universities are just like any other organization that is affected by the times.
"These things happen," Smith said. "It is much more common than people think."
Other colleges and institutions around America have been strongly affected as well. In Florida alone, the University of Florida and Florida State University, among other institutions of higher education, have had to lay off faculty.
UF, according to a New York Times article, has cut 430 faculty and staff positions, and more may come in the future.
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, FSU has had to reduce its budget by $21 million since June 2007 and has been forced to lay off a large number of faculty.
These are just a few of the many stories of job loss facing both private and public institutions. Higher education, and in turn FSC, is not recession proof.
Dr. Keith Huneycutt, the humanities division chair and English professor, said that FSC is seeing that the recession is a reality.
"When it is people you know, it makes the whole economic crisis feel much more real and painful," he said.
Executive Editor
Florida Southern College, just like almost everything, everyone and everywhere, has been affected by the current economic state of the nation.
As a result of a weakening economy, actions have had to be taken on campus to help FSC survive financially and maintain levels of affordability and credibility.
"Given the recession, there is no reason to believe that FSC is untouched," Dr. James Byrd, the dean of art and sciences, said.
As many students have heard, or are hearing for the first time, FSC has had to cut faculty teaching positions by either not renewing contracts or not hiring new professors in various academic departments around campus due to economic reasons.
The English, graphic design, psychology, education and nursing departments have been affected by these cuts.
Dr. Patrick Smith, the chair of the psychology department, said that colleges and universities are just like any other organization that is affected by the times.
"These things happen," Smith said. "It is much more common than people think."
Other colleges and institutions around America have been strongly affected as well. In Florida alone, the University of Florida and Florida State University, among other institutions of higher education, have had to lay off faculty.
UF, according to a New York Times article, has cut 430 faculty and staff positions, and more may come in the future.
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, FSU has had to reduce its budget by $21 million since June 2007 and has been forced to lay off a large number of faculty.
These are just a few of the many stories of job loss facing both private and public institutions. Higher education, and in turn FSC, is not recession proof.
Dr. Keith Huneycutt, the humanities division chair and English professor, said that FSC is seeing that the recession is a reality.
"When it is people you know, it makes the whole economic crisis feel much more real and painful," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Debbie Hearon
posted 3/31/09 @ 7:46 PM EST
I am writing in response to the faculty and budget cuts. Why doesn't the school start making cuts in the area of landscaping and beautification programs? And then, put this money towards education where it should be in the first place. (Continued…)
Jamie
posted 4/02/09 @ 12:06 AM EST
You might want to proof read the end. There is a repeat of the article. :-D
Tampa Movers
posted 4/13/09 @ 10:25 AM EST
Unfortunately cuts do have to happen when there is a shortage of money. But it's hopefully only temporary and will improve when the economy bounces back. (Continued…)
MoVINg SoFTwaRe
posted 4/27/09 @ 4:23 PM EST
That's sad about laying off the best teachers though.. I mean it's one thing to end activities or extra curricular things, but to get rid of the QUALITY of education? Hmph. (Continued…)
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