posted
Although we haven't heard any specific numbers from Annapolis yet, we are expecting the worst to come down in the next round of budget cuts. Guesses range from $50-70 million dollars, which would mean over 1,000 layoffs, significantly reduced graduate student assistance, cuts in services, and even up to 25% increases in tuition.
Yeah, that's 25%.
In response, students from across the state are mobilizing for a protest, scheduled for THIS Thursday. I realize this is short notice but I just heard myself! There will be a traditional protest at 2:00 at the Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis, which should last 45 minutes to an hour. I have also heard rumors of more serious (and thus press-worthy) protest tactics being considered. This could include a sit-in in the State House -- more details will come later.
The QUALITY and ACCESS to our education is being severely threatened by these cuts. Our staff and faculty are taking inordinate losses through empty positions, furloughs, and many layoffs. Thousands of students, including many of us, will not be able to complete our programs with such an enormous tuition hike. This protest will send a message to the Governor that higher education is a PUBLIC GOOD that is not worth cutting, with incredible benefits to the state economy!
As one Washington Post writer recently said ... "I know of a slot machine that requires you to put in a dollar and wait a decade before five or six dollars come out the bottom. It works in good times and bad, and there's no limit on how many dollars you can play. This metaphoric slot has a name -- higher education." Investment in higher education is clearly the most reliable source of long-term growth for the state. We must repeat this message in Annapolis and voice our concern with these inordinate cuts to higher education!
Please join us on Thursday at 2:00 in Annapolis! Even if you have a test, or have to skip class, IT IS WORTH IT. If we don't make our voice heard before the cuts, our system of education will be devastated. Please don't make this your last chance for opportunity, or the classes you finish this semester could be your last ...
If you ABSOLUTELY can't make it, please ask others if they can go. Also, anyone who needs a ride or has questions should contact me at acanter@usmd.edu.
Thanks, and I hope to see you on Thursday!
Posts: 8 | I am: Student Member, USM Board of Regents | Registered: Jun 2002
| Logged: 216.49.77.127 |
posted
Thanks, Andrew. The picture of Eric in today's (yesterday's?) DBK was hilarious.
Posts: 578 | I am: PhD, CMLT | Registered: Oct 2001
| Logged: 128.8.22.24 |
These Forums serve as both an administrative hub for official GSG business and a place for graduate students to socialize and discuss concerns. GSG officials will continue to post official information on this site including meeting announcements, legislation, EFR documentation, etc.
We have been subject to a significant amount of spam and bots attacking the forum. Therefore, in order to register on the forum, you will need an @umd.edu or an @gmail.com email address. Please contact the forum administrator if you would like to register with an email address from another server. Thanks!
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic
