Speaking Up, Fighting Back!Now is the time to let your representatives at the State Capitol know – we want them to support a strong UConn! Pulling the Plug is NOT an Economic StrategyOver the past 15 years, Connecticut’s leaders have made bipartisan commitments to building a great state university, providing educational access, groundbreaking research and extraordinary public service. The results are remarkable. Today, the University of Connecticut graduates more students (the core of the state’s professional workforce), adds $2.3 billion to the state’s GDP every year, and generates a net profit – $76 million annually – to state coffers. Yes, a profit. In short, even during a severe economic downturn, UConn creates jobs, makes money and keeps our state competitive. Our educated workforce is Connecticut’s best attribute. But the Governor doesn’t see the value. Governor Rell has decided that an effective way to cut costs during challenging times is to slash basic funding for UConn, and undo almost two decades of planning and progress. Facing the Governor’s budget cutbacks, the University’s administration recommended an 8.6% increase in tuition to protect the University’s core functions – a recommendation supported by students, who would bear the brunt of the cost increase. The governor urged the Board of Trustees to delay and then reduce the tuition increase despite student concerns about the reductions in academic programs. The Governor recently rejected a proposal to pursue a collaborative, cost-effective plan to provide critical clinical support for the UConn dental and medical schools. Most recently she ordered cuts in current operating budgets, with only three months left in the fiscal year, that will reduce services UConn students have already been promised and paid for through 2008-09 tuition and fees. We know that the current economic downturn necessitates serious belt-tightening – that everyone, including the University, must make significant cutbacks in expenditures and live with budget decreases. But when proposed cuts will reverse the progress of the past two decades, and do more economic harm than good to the people of Connecticut, we feel compelled to speak out. The Governor’s approach is wrong, and if the legislature follows such shortsighted direction, the economic results will be disastrous. Connecticut needs more intellectual capital, not less. We need more thoughtful strategy, and less reflex action. Cuts to UConn’s funding hurt everyone, and will damage our chances for economic recovery. Contact your legislators TODAY and tell them that you support a strong UConn. UConn Advocates Support:
The UConn Advocates – a coalition of alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff – call on Governor Rell and legislative leaders to show economic leadership and support a strong public research university. The Success of UConn 2000 President Hogans's Annual Report UConn is a major supplier of human capital. The university is a critical force in every community in the state. Students, Alumni, and Staff are making contributions to your town. See More UConn Notes in the UConn Notes Archive
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The State of the University: Read the President's address > Listen to the President's address > Impact of Governor's Proposed Budget Biennium budget recommendations directly impact the University. Read the President's message > "UConn Advocates See Beyond the Valley" Read the latest message and take action > Listen to the Radio Spot UConn's Impact on State's Economy A study by a state economist indicates that operations at UConn and its Health Center added $2.3 billion to Connecticut’s GDP in fiscal 2008. Click here to read the Report > 2009 UConn Fact Sheet Did you know that 78% of all freshmen entering the Main Campus this fall were in the top 25% of their high school class? Get the complete picture of what UConn is today in the 2009 UConn Fact Sheet. Download the 2009 UConn Fact Sheet > 2009 UConn Points of Pride There is much that the University of Connecticut, its students, alumni, faculty, and staff can take pride in over our 125-year history. The quality of our student population – and those seeking admission to the University – continues to rise, as the accomplishments of our faculty and our students continue to impress. Download the 2009 Points of Pride >
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