Monica Down (The Beacon)
By Monica Down, Guest Commentary
While it has been months since the 20 percent budget cut of student employment passed, I was still not surprised to see yet another Beacon article printed on such a critical topic. As a student worker, I too am still bitter. Our hours are cut and we are left to try to scrap by.
Now, there are a few larger issues here that we all are missing. Yes, our immediate attention gravitates to the fact that we no longer have the resources, time, or support to successfully execute our respected responsibilities. But alas, the problem is much deeper -
How is it that after obvious student discontent, University of Portland's administration and financial advisors still have not felt the need to directly address this issue? As a student body, we need to be outraged that an explanation of why such drastic cuts were made has never been offered. Does the administration care so little about me, they cannot even throw out a warning before cutting off my arm? When did UP's ambitions trade in recognizing individual student needs for better statistics and lower margins?
Tuition has risen, but student employment has been cut. The math doesn't add up. Depleting our financial support with a week notice is simply bad business. It is time UP lowers its focus on prospective students and alums and instead shows consideration for the students that currently attend the school. This is by no means a rant or list of grievances-- it is a demand for respect.
Monica Down is a senior english major. She can be reached at down13@up.edu
