"Our education is at risk," says Christine Hughes, 20, a senior and candidate for USF senate president.
TAMPA, Fla. -- "Our education is at risk," says Christine Hughes, 20, a senior and candidate for USF senate president.
Six candidates for senate president of USF's Student Body Government echo their classmate's concerns over $103 million in proposed budget cuts. They rally for support. "It's time to get spears and shields go to Tally. This is our university, our education is what's most important," says Christine.
Some candidates offer solutions. "Do not cut departments or programs, but be smarter with the money we have," says Brian Goff, 21, a candidate for USF senate president.
But even under the latest proposal, where legislators promise to take off the table $25 million for USF Polytechnic School, USF faces a $52 million deficit after using its cash reserves. Michael Hoad, USF vice president of Communication, says, "This is a big devastating cut and remains a big devastating cut."
Hoad says students would feel it first. "Starting July 1st, we would have to offer fewer classes, fewer summer sessions, [we would] be unable to hire faculty. We have to potentially look at layoffs."
USF officials say if layoffs are needed, the university will have to start notifying those employees affected starting April 1st.
Students from the School for the Arts and Sciences say they worry the most. The school has nearly 18,000 students and they say it's their school that usually gets cut first and cut the deepest.
"We will have fewer teachers," worries education major Angie Greenough. "I don't think it's fair. If cuts are made, they should be made fairly across the board."
USF officials say they are grateful to students and the community for their support. However, Hoad says, "We still have a long way to go."
Previous USF Coverage:
2/15/12 - USF budget cuts live, but "divorce settlement" brokered
2/14/12- USF Students depart overnight to protest budget cuts
2/14/12 - 10 News leading charge to #SaveUSF
2/14/12 - High school students impacted by USF attacks
2/14/12 - USF fears "devastating" 58% budget cuts
2/8/12 - JD Alexander pushes "backdoor" path for USF Poly independence
12/22/11 - Barbs traded over Genshaft's handling of USF Poly handling
12/20/11 - Genshaft dismisses USF Poly chancellor
11/10/11 - BOG grants USF Poly conditional independence
11/7/11 - USF Poly spends thousands on Star Wars statues
11/3/11 - JD Alexander's bully pulpit
10/31/11 - Polk leaders vote for USF Poly independence