UMaine budget cuts necessitate tough decisions - Bangor Daily News Editorial

The rise in tuition prices, which exacerbates the need for many students to take out large loans, has become an exigent political issue. Recently, the University of Maine announced its need to cut $7 million from next year’s $242 million budget. While Orono anticipates being able to offset fiscal shortcomings with administrative rather than academic cuts, the University of Southern Maine has decided to cut its French and Applied Medical Sciences programs in an effort to cut $6 million and close a $16 million budget gap. Understandably, students were angered by this decision. Any time cuts related to academic program are made, it’s ultimately someone, be it student or professor, whose livelihood seems jeopardized. However, there are only so many cuts an institution can make before it becomes unviable. Yes, administration impacts students less, but some administration is necessary in order for any large organization to function. Given the unpopularity of academic-related to cuts, it’s fair to assume that the University of Maine System (UMS) officials feel it is necessary to make cuts in degree plans. Simple economics dictate that the degree programs that have the highest enrollment and bring the most benefit to the university be preserved. http://mainecampus.com/2014/10/26/umaine-budget-cuts-necessitate-tough-decisions/?ref=hp