The Andersonian staff stands in support of the administration’s decision regarding budget cuts that were announced two weeks ago. Though the university as a whole will undoubtedly feel the loss of these valuable faculty and staff members, we understand that in order to move forward and stabilize our position as a university, certain cutbacks had to be made.
We are sad to see many beloved staff and faculty members leave AU due to the cuts, and we sympathize with those whose athletic and academic programs are being cut. However, we urge students to have faith in the ability of the administration to make sound decisions.
We have faith in the administration’s heart for the school and its community. Therefore, we know that the administration does not take its decision lightly and deliberated over every possibility for reducing the deficit.
Overall, we believe that the good and the future of AU is at the heart of the administration’s decision. The budget cuts are necessary, as it is not in AU’s best interest to continue operating at a deficit each year. In order for AU to flourish, some sacrifices have to be made at the present time in hope of a more abundant future. We have faith and trust in President Pistole’s ability to lead AU into its next chapter as a university.
It is unpleasant to see faculty and staff leave AU by no choice of their own, and it is especially difficult to part with those whom we interact with on a daily or weekly basis. However, we believe that even though many faculty and staff members will not be in the same positions or may not even be at AU, friendships can transcend job titles, positions and locations. We are sad for those who may be losing a mentor, a professor, a teacher and a friend, but we know that if these relationships are meaningful, they do not have to end with the professor’s time at AU. We wish the faculty and staff the best in their next chapters.
We are also sad for those whose sports are being discontinued at AU. We hope that current golf and tennis student-athletes will be able to enjoy their sports outside of the confines of collegiate competition. We also hope there will be a continuation of these sports after AU’s financial position stabilizes.
Although the cuts are bittersweet, we understand that it is for the ultimate good of the university, that it may be able to serve many others in the next century and beyond.