Scott Scarborough says regional public universities in the Midwest are facing similar financial challenges due to declining state funding, fewer high school graduates, and more difficulty getting federal research funds.
Officials at the University of Akron sparked an outcry in June when they boosted course fees by $50 dollars an hour for upper level classes.On Monday, the school has rescinded those fees. But they’re also handing out pink slips.It's all part of the school’s effort to balance its budget.School officials say they’re not dropping the course fees because of charges that Akron was trying to get around a state-mandated tuition freeze.
They say it’s just that the state budget gave higher education more money than expected. Still, school President Scott Scarborough says the university faces a 60 million dollar deficit.“We expect to face a very difficult July. I think you'll agree we've had a difficult July“The school is now telling 161 people they’re out of a job, and 52 vacant positions won’t be filled.“Our plan is to not refill the positions that being eliminated today at all levels of the organization. In fact, working with our faculty senate and faculty union, they’ve long had concerns that we had administrative costs that were too high.”No faculty positions are being cut.The school is also going to stop programming professional events like Broadway plays at its E-J Thomas Performing Arts Hall. School president Scott Scarborough says other organizations such as the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the Tuesday Musical Club will continue to rent the hall.“So it will still to have a vibrant life and when combined with all of the programming that occurs at the Civic Theater right across the street, I think the community will be well-served. In fact. I think this decision not only strengthens the university but strengthens the Civic’s future looking down the road.”Scarborough says the move will save UA $1.6 million dollars. He wasn’t sure whether the Broadway in Akron series will take place this fall, saying they needed to examine what commitments have been made. Some shows were scheduled to begin in November.