In recent weeks, UNM has been advised that the state will be reducing its funding, affecting specific programs by reducing some program/department budgets and eliminating others. The cuts and eliminations as of today are only recommendations and the numbers can change or stay the same. Some of these cuts will be affecting the students of color programs known as special projects by the state legislature. For many years the ethnic centers have counted on the state legislature money to keep the centers running. Some of the places affected are the American Indian Student Services, African American Student Services and El Centro de la Raza. To better understand the impact these cuts will have at UNM, I am providing some examples. The information is provided by the Project of New Mexico Graduates of Color (PNMGC). If you would like further information you can visit www.unm.edu/~gradpeer or http://www.dailylobo.com/. American Indian Student Services will lose 33.3% $33,300 according to Pamela Agoyo, the director of the center. She said that these funds are used for the American Indian Summer Bridge Program faculty, and UNM student outreach and support services. African American Student Services will lose 100% ($34,500) of their program funding, and El Centro de la Raza will lose 39.2% ($78,300) of their funding resulting in a potential loss of three of their staff members according to Veronica Mendez-Cruz, the director. Not only are the centers losing funding which will impact the retention rate of many students of color. These Student Service Centers help students to make the transition into a college environment.
Many students served by these Centers are first-generation college students, away from home for the first time. These Centers provide support for them which includes addressing their cultural needs. I am one of them. Although, I, like others, are appreciative of the State funding these student centers and other programs, the funding process is not transparent to determine who is making the recommendations to cut specific programs/departments at UNM. Is it UNM’s leadership, the powers that be, or the State Legislator? As a minority student I am suggesting that it is time for the University to make these programs that support student retention a priority in their decision-making.
The centers should not be struggling every year to retain level funding. It is now time for us to take the initiative to make the centers stable. The minority groups are being hit the hardest. The state legislature has done its part in helping to build these centers over the years, and so today I urge UNM, the president and all the students to advocate that UNM place level funding for these Centers within its priority funding. What are your feelings towards this issue? What steps should UNM take to fix the situation? Or do you think the state should be held responsible? Please give your sincere opinion it would be greatly appreciated.
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Great topic to start the blog off on the right foot!! I think we all agree that UNM’s financial situation is a pressing issue this spring. However, I have to disagree with you when you say, “The minority groups are being hit the hardest.” While yes, many cuts are aimed at the ethnic centers that receive year-to-year funding, other programs on campus are suffering, too. Prime example: AGORA who now offer class credit to volunteers because they no longer have funding for payroll. Or what about sustainability services, UNM’s recycling initiatives, and many other green projects? The list goes on and on... My point: the ethnic centers are not the only important student services losing funding, but interestingly they seem to be the only ones receiving press (specifically in the Daily Lobo)... Hmm...
ReplyDeleteIts a shame that special programs are the first to be hit and hit the hardest. Well in my opinion I think we should look to the people who have decided to cut funding's for these programs and WHY? These programs help minorities adjust to college and keep them in college. Not to sound horrible and I apologize if I do but if they cut these programs then wont they loose the minority population and worst money??? i don't know but you would think they would want to keep programs that bring more students to unm.
ReplyDeleteVery important topic to address. I see these cuts as shortsighted, we need to invest in our young people if we want NM to reach its potential. I also think it serves no one to pit one program against another, all the programs listed deserve to be funded because they have a direct impact on student success.
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