College students rally against proposed cuts

By Kelly Jackson

and Ashley Speagle

DALTON, Ga. -- Dalton State College students lobbied lawmakers in the state Capitol Wednesday before rallying outside, chanting "No cuts, no layoffs; cut from the top!"

About 15 Dalton State students joined about 40 students from other state colleges and universities in Atlanta, dressing in black to mourn the hope they'd lost for the state's higher education system, said Dalton State College social work student Christina Trammell.

"This is just the beginning," she said. "We are not going to back down. This is a grand-scale, statewide issue because everybody's future is at stake."

University of West Georgia student Will Avery warned that "hundreds of degree programs will be cut from universities across the state."

PDF: college fights budget cuts press release

Officials with the University System of Georgia learned last week they may face an additional $300 million in state cuts, on top of $265 million already expected.

Dalton State College would have to cut $2.4 million more from its budget, on top of $1.8 million already cut, college president Dr. John Schwenn said.

BY THE NUMBERSProposed cuts at Dalton State College:* $100,000: Close Educational Technology Center* $70,000: Discontinue Regents' Testing* $150,000: Delay opening Career Academy facility* $375,000: Cap enrollment at 5,800* $50,000: Drastically reduce First Year Experience program* $400,000: Move employees to high-deductible insurance plan* $50,000: Stop using mandatory state contracts* $40,000: Close two full weeks at winter break* $100,000: Offer flat rate for teaching summer school* $60,000: Four, 10-hour days for summer semester and reduced summer library hours* $150,000: Decrease library acquisitions* $50,000: Cease travel (except mandatory meetings)* $300,000: Four additional furlough days (six are already in place)* $75,000: Discontinue some academic support services* $100,000: Plant operation cuts* $120,000: Eliminate two instructor positions by deferring vacant faculty* $300,000: Discontinue/reduce size of some academic programs (e.g., social work, marketing and management in the School of Technology or Office Administration)* $2.49 million: TotalSource: University System of Georgia Web site

"Every single thing that is on our list are things that are really needed," Dr. Schwenn said Wednesday. "A long time ago we got rid of any fat; everything we do is very lean. There's just nothing to cut but good programs."

State university system Chancellor Erroll B. Davis warned Wednesday the House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee that the quality of public education is at stake and that accessible, affordable, high-quality institutions cost money, according to The Associated Press.

"The system is acutely aware of the budget situation," Mr. Davis told the panel.

Lawmakers urged a spirit of cooperation in finding a solution that preserves the gains Georgia has made in higher education, the AP reported.

"Nobody wants to see draconian cuts," said Sen. Seth Harp, R-Midland, chairman of the Senate Education committee.

He asked Mr. Davis to "do the least amount of damage, with the sacrifice spread of the entire education community."

Dalton State Social Work Club President Patricia Grady suggested plugging a statewide budget hole of more than $1 billion by raising "sin taxes" on tobacco and alcohol.

Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, said he favors spending cuts over tax increases. But he said the student rally helps legislators understand how the issue affects people.

"I told the few I spoke with it's the best way to let us know," he said. "The best decisions come out from people who are knowledgeable on those issues."

Rep. Jay Neal, R-LaFayette, said the University System of Georgia should re-evaluate expenditures, especially since professors received raises during the recession, although he said believes Dalton State has been responsible with its spending.

"We see those rallies, we do hear it, but we probably have looked a whole lot deeper into that budget than most of them think we have," he said.

For now, students say they'll continue protesting and pushing for a solution that avoids large cuts to higher education.

"If these guys in the General Assembly will not find these alternative, creative solutions to our issues, we will find alternative citizens to fill their seats," said Mr. Avery.

Another rally is planned for March 15, Ms. Trammell said.

Ashley Speagle covers the Georgia Legislature. Contact her at speagle.ashley@gmail.com.

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