THE
FACULTY
SENATE
Senate
Document Number 7210S
Date
of Senate Approval 05/06/10
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Statement
of Faculty Senate Action:
University of North Carolina at
Asheville
Senate
Resolution
Approved by
the Faculty Senate:
Approved by
the Chancellor:
RESOLUTION
ON THE 2010-2011 NORTH CAROLINA STATE BUDGET
Whereas, education plays a vital role in
our State’s future economic health and the aspirations of millions of North
Carolina families; and,
Whereas, an educated and highly skilled
workforce is necessary for the economic progress of the State; and,
Whereas, the University of North
Carolina System plays a leadership role in educating the people of our State
and in the overall economic growth of North Carolina; and,
Whereas, continued excellence depends
upon sustained, adequate funding; and,
Whereas, the projected budget cuts are
alarming, especially following budget cuts over the past two years; and,
Whereas, the budget cuts will limit
access to higher education for many residents of our State at a time when higher
education enrollments are growing; and,
Whereas, academic reputations are built
slowly over many years, and once compromised cannot be easily regained; and,
Whereas, the University of North
Carolina General Administration estimates that any budget cuts in excess of 2%
would harm the academic core of the University and significantly reduce the
quality of academic instruction and student experiences at all UNC campuses;
and,
Whereas, the University of North
Carolina has already absorbed approximately $300 million or 29% of the current
state budget reversions while the University represented only 13% of the total
state budget; and,
Whereas, the proposed state budget
currently recommends a reduction of 5.9% or $154 million (a 3.9% reduction on
top of the existing 2% cut) for the UNC System; and,
Whereas, 75% of the state budget
allocated to the UNC System supports personnel expenses making it impossible to
absorb large cuts without eliminating more jobs; and,
Be It Resolved that the Faculty Senate of the
University of North Carolina At Asheville urges the State Legislature to
prevent the most serious erosion in the quality of higher education in North
Carolina by providing sufficient and appropriate funding for higher education
by restricting additional budget cuts to no more than 2% ; and,
Be It Further Resolved that the State budget include
full funding for need-based financial aid to ensure access to higher education
for the people of the State of North Carolina; and,
Be It Further Resolved that the State Legislature
appropriately continue its historical commitment and attention to our State’s
higher education needs as envisioned in the original Act of Incorporation (1789) for the University of North Carolina by
providing adequate higher education funding to ensure “the happiness of a
rising generation, and endeavor to fit them for an honorable discharge of the
social duties of life by paying attention to their education.”