Even before the current economic crisis, a Fairfield education ‘- and other private institutions of its size and caliber ‘- came with a hefty price tag. Affording the nearly $50,000 tuition is a burden for many students and their families, and the economic climate is obviously not helping. Yet, as discussions begin about the University’s budget, it is increasingly apparent that Fairfield and its administrators have student interests and their academic futures at heart.
In a presentation to FUSA Senate Sunday night, University President Fr. Jeffrey von Arx, Vice President of Student Affairs Mark Reed, Executive Vice President Billy Weitzer and Vice President of Finance William Lucas reassured students that while Fairfield would be facing budget constraints, they would not be to the detriment of current and prospective students.
Although the 2009-2010 budget numbers are not confirmed, cuts will need to be made. Because Fairfield predominately relies upon tuition to determine its operating budget, the University clearly needs students (and their parents) more than ever.
Von Arx assured student senators that Fairfield, when compared to other academic institutions, is not in as bad of a situation as others, such as those that have resorted to firing valued employees. Construction, including work on the new Jesuit residence, dorms in the Quad and the conversion of the old Jesuit residence into the Just Us community, will continue as planned.
In an effort to keep students at Fairfield and entice new students, the University will make smaller increases in tuition. But this may also decrease the amount of funds for new programming. By saving extra monies now ‘- including the reservation of 2.5 percent of funds allocated to University departments from the current budget for next year ‘- the economic burden will be softened for students, staff and the University community at large.
Now what does this mean for the grandiose plans of the Golden Stag?’ The estimated $70,000 projected to be spent on an ostentatious statue of our beloved mascot would be better spent elsewhere: Keeping students here. While students may complain about their discontent with the meals offered at Barone or the ‘need’ for new treadmills at the RecPlex, Fairfield students and faculty have it pretty good here. And, it is reassuring to see that in an attempt to retain and gain students, the University is finding ways to maintain and even improve financial aid packages.
Now is the time that people are proving that Fairfield continues to preserve its mission of caring for and cultivating well-rounded students even in the face of economic hardship.
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