Like state, Alabama universities face difficult budget choices

Alabama’s major state universities are backed into a financial corner. Not because of a lack of contributions from donors. Not because of a lack of tuition fees collected by a growing student population. And not because of a lack of sales or merchandising.

Instead, it’s because of budget cuts proposed by Gov. Bob Riley. House Bill 319 calls for state institutions to collectively make up for a deficit of $130 million to help Alabama’s ever-tightening state budget make it through the year. It is clear that the state has far less money to spend this year than it had in years past, therefore, someone’s got to make up the difference.

To sum: difficult financial decisions must be made, and no decision will be made without ruffling feathers.

In this case, it’s Auburn University and the University of Alabama, among others, who are asked to make up a large chunk of the state’s financial pot. Wednesday, board of trustees members from both institutions met in Montgomery to discuss the grim issue.

AU trustee Jimmy Rane considered the bill as an “ominous threat” and said it was “unconscionable” for the universities to make up such a large deficit. Saving money for the sake of the state budget, while trying to provide the best educational experience for its students is a double-edged sword. This is particularly difficult for Auburn, which is in the midst of its most aggressive building project in school history — including the construction of a $92 million basketball arena.

Some may argue that though we are in the midst of budget crunches, it is ironic that state universities can afford to spend millions on men to coach football. But they should also be reminded that the success of football programs generates millions more exponentially.

The question is: how can the universities suddenly save $130 million.

These are difficult decisions now placed upon the hands of leaders of these universities. They have seemingly been given a tighter budget from the state and tighter spending, or possibly even a temporary stop of some programs, may be in order.

We must face the facts. We’re in an economic downturn. Things are getting tighter. Families are spending less. The same can now be said for state governments and universities.