Group to fight against the axe

Student leaders are taking swift steps to fight against a 4 percent budget cut that they say could jeopardize the future of the University.

Today, Student Congress will review a resolution condemning proposed cuts that officials say would result in the loss of 90 filled and 80 unfilled faculty positions, decrease the number of available class sections and reduce the activity of various student organizations.

“The resolution reflects that this is the first step down the road to a lower quality education,” said Congress Speaker Luke Farley. “People are afraid that if this cut goes through, UNC might not be the same again.”

The N.C. Senate could approve the state budget as soon as May 10.

But the bill must be approved by both chambers of the N.C. General Assembly before going before the governor for final approval, which means it’s likely that students won’t know the final situation until well into summer or even fall.

Farley said that until recently, many student officials didn’t realize how pressing the issue is.

“It seems like they’re very serious about cutting us at 4 percent,” he said. “It is a very real possibility. Now, people are beginning to get a lot more concerned than they had been. For me, that’s come to light within the last week and a half.”

Pending Congress’ stamp of approval during the meeting tonight, leaders plan to deliver the resolution to members of the General Assembly on Wednesday.

“I believe very strongly in not just passing the resolution but in promulgating it,” Farley said. “The resolution is part of a larger plan focused at advocating for the University at the General Assembly.”

He said students will target specific representatives, but he is unsure who they will speak with because of the short notice.

“It’s been difficult to make extremely detailed plans,” Farley said. “We know who we want to see, we just don’t know if we’ll get in to see them.”

Student Body President Seth Dearmin said he thinks the resolution is a positive step in advocating against budget cuts.

“The resolution is a great way for students to speak out against the increase,” Dearmin said. “Student Congress is doing a good thing there. I hope and expect when it goes to Raleigh that leaders will be effective in voicing our concerns.”

Farley said that in order for the campaign to be successful, students also need to get involved.

“Student government and other leaders can do a lot, but this is going to take a lot of popular support,” he said. “It’s going to take students telling our representatives that this can’t stand.”

Members of the executive branch have been working to provide students with a voice.

“We’re trying to set up a pretty substantial lobbying program,” said Student Body Treasurer Daneen Furr. “We’re hoping to have students from all over the state contact local news publications to get local stories in the paper.”

Student officials added a link to their Web site — http://www.unc.edu/studgov — that connects students with their representatives.

Provost Robert Shelton said he hopes the General Assembly will listen to students’ concerns.

“I do think it’s important for the students to be heard on this," Shelton said. “I’m confident that the state is going to treat us well.

“There’s a core understanding of the importance of higher education in North Carolina. I hope that will prevail.”

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.