Student Congress mobilizes its forces

Student Congress members hit the ground running Wednesday in their quest to prevent what they see as a shortfall in the University’s financial future.

As UNC prepares for the possibility of a 4-percent budget cut, student government officials are fighting back by organizing trips to Raleigh and encouraging students to get in touch with their local legislators.

The representatives’ Wednesday trip to the Legislative Building took place less than 24 hours after Congress unanimously passed a resolution to condemn the proposed cuts, which could cause UNC to see a reduction of $29.4 million in state funds.

Congress Speaker Luke Farley said student officials mobilized quickly once they realized the devastating effects the proposal could have.

“This is a brutal cut,” he said. “It’s the first step toward a lower-quality education at UNC.”

Campus officials say the cuts could increase class sizes, reduce the number of class sections offered and negate the effects of annual tuition increases.

Farley was one of five Congress members who traveled to the state’s capital Wednesday afternoon to speak with key legislators and advocate for students. “We didn’t get to see anyone, but we set up a lot of appointments,” Farley said.

He said representatives handed out copies of Student Congress’ resolution and will return to Raleigh next week.

Student Body Vice President Adrian Johnston said a cut will be particularly hard to swallow in light of past tuition hikes.

“This cut is going to … undo all the improvements that students have paid for through tuition increases,” he said.

In-state tuition at UNC has increased by almost $900 in the past three years. Funding from the state has managed to roughly keep pace with inflation.

Kris Gould, Student Congress speaker pro tem, said student efforts are vital because they help legislators put statistics into perspective. “It puts a face to the numbers,” he said.

Chancellor James Moeser addressed student concerns during an open house Tuesday afternoon. He said the potential cuts could result in the loss of numerous faculty and the reduction of as many as 250 class sections.

“There are potentially devastating cuts to the University,” Moeser said. “I think it is our responsibility as citizens to let people in Raleigh know that this is important.”

Johnston sent an informational e-mail Monday night detailing ways students can get involved. Interested students can submit their names and home addresses through the executive branch’s Web site, he said.

Officials then will determine students’ local legislators and forward them the information.

So far, 350 students have responded, and officials already have identified the districts of most students, Johnston said. “Those students who live in key districts will be hearing from us very soon,” he said.

As the semester draws to a close, some students are concerned that efforts will dwindle during the summer months.

But Johnston said the new database will keep people connected, allowing students to more easily meet with their representatives.

“If there is nothing else we do in this entire administration, we need to stop this budget cut,” he said. “Students can’t forget that they are constituents.”

Contact the University Editor udesk@unc.edu.