Budget Crisis at UA - FYI

As you have doubtless heard, the administration's preliminary budget for next year calls for nearly $15 million in cuts, with $9.1 million to come from the academic core of the university and $5.7 million from administration.

Department chairs, who have the task of finding any remaining non-essential items to cut from their budgets, are protesting that $9.1 million in cuts is impossible, especially after the cuts of the last two years. There are simply no more “efficiencies” to be found. These cuts are now being characterized as an "exercise" or the first steps in a "conversation”, but past experience has shown that similarly presented “exercises” have a way of turning into reality.

The Faculty Senate has vigorously protested both the cuts themselves and how they were determined.  Read the transcript of last week's Senate meeting here.

Akron-AAUP leadership is monitoring the situation closely and have been assured that no existing tenured/tenure-track positions are in jeopardy. The Akron-AAUP categorically opposes the loss of any full time faculty - tenure track or non-tenure track - to budget cuts. The primary mission of this university is teaching and research. Faculty deliver the curriculum, faculty ensure the success of our students.

We urge the administration to work with the faculty, Faculty Senate, Department Chairs and Akron-AAUP to find ways to strengthen the academic core of this university and ensure the future success of The University of Akron.

Join Akron-AAUP today. 

Volunteer your skills to help secure and protect your rights and privileges as a member of the faculty.

It's hard work and work worth doing.

Akron-AAUP
Communications Committee