University Business - October 2009 - (Page 6)

EDITOR’S NOTE The New Reality I t may be premature to say for sure, but there have been encouraging signs lately from the economic world that the global economy is slowly being revived. We’re far from out of danger, but various indicators this is the new reality. It’s unlikely that funding will suggest that a light is faintly visible at the end of the tunnel. and if there’s any doubt that education is a recession- match previous levels any time soon, or that prior salaries proof industry, all one has to do is look at the numbers: the will be restored. everyone, everywhere, is adjusting to the idea that the bottom line is now University of Tennessee at Martin lower than it was before. has more than 8,000 students for the Everyone is adjusting to the days of freewheeling spendfirst time. Arkansas Tech University ing are just a fond memory. Now, at Ozark is reporting a 60 percent inthe idea that the bottom each expenditure is being examcrease in students from a year ago. line is lower than before. ined closely. but spend they must if the Johns Hopkins University— schools are expected to continue to certainly not cheap at $55,000 a year—had to reopen a defunct residence hall, lease a nearby serve their constituents. the colleges and universities of the inn, and add classes for popular math and science courses. post-recession era, when it does come, will operate leaner the University of Central Florida may end up with about but will still be faced with many of the challenges they have 52,000 students when a final head count is taken, making it now. and as evidenced by current and projected enrollment one of the nation’s largest universities. Despite the recession and higher than ever prices at many numbers, students will continue to pursue their education. institutions, students are determined to go to college. that’s that’s a good thing. the question will be, how long can a good problem to have, say administrators, but even as that some schools maintain their level of service with ever deis happening, institutions still face the immediate effects of creasing resources? they will have to find even more ways to the recession, from reduced state funding to devalued en- provide for their constituents without expecting additional dowments. many institutions were forced into layoffs, fur- funding. technology will no doubt play a greater role in this postloughs, and salary cuts. programs were dissolved, athletic recession economy. solutions that promise to streamline teams disbanded, and building projects put on hold. many schools found increasing tuition and fees—some- business processes will get a closer look. Colleges and unitimes twice in a year—unavoidable. at the 23 campuses of versities will seek out products and services that can reduce the California State University, tuition has increased by 30 maintenance and operations costs. Classroom technologies percent, classes were eliminated, salaries cut, and positions that enhance teaching and learning will become even more eliminated—and in some cases students were turned away commonplace. When the dust settles, the institution may look and befrom schools that just can’t accommodate any more. the University of California is considering a proposal have a bit differently, but its educational purpose will reto raise student fees 32 percent by next fall, boosting annual main strong. undergraduate tuition over the $10,000 level for the first time ever. and this is on top of salary cuts, reduced staffing, and classes being eliminated. the new mantra at colleges and universities, as well as at most businesses, is “Do more with less.” Write to Tim Goral at tgoral@universitybusiness.com. and they will. universitybusiness.com 6 | October 2009 http://www.universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of University Business - October 2009

University Business - October 2009
Contents
Editor's Note
College Index
Company Index
Advisory Board
Behind the News
Viewpoint
Financial Aid
Lessons in Video
Dining Halls of Distinction
Lost in Space
Independent Outlook
Internet Tech
End Note

University Business - October 2009