The crisis in higher education funding...

The already underfunded Louisiana university system is being slashed even further. As unemployment grows, affordable access to higher education becomes increasingly important. Unfortunately, state budget cuts and student tuition increases are making it more difficult for all Louisiana residents to obtain a college degree. Higher education in Louisiana is becoming increasingly exclusive and inaccessible every day.

Higher Education Cuts in Louisiana...

Higher Education Budget Cuts in Louisiana

• A total of $251M since December 2008
• Projections are for drastic cuts in 2010 as the state legislature wrestles with a “potential shortfall [in total state budget] of more than $1 billion for the next fiscal year.”

(R.T. Scott, The Times Picayune)

How do budget cuts affect us?

• Significant tuition increases.
• Essential academic programs are cut or drastically diminished, such as Paralegal studies, Women’s and
• Gender Studies, Geography, Fine Arts and more...
• Fewer classes to choose from and larger class sizes, making it difficult to graduate in a timely manner.
• Faculty, staff, and student jobs are being cut — across Louisiana, 2000 university employees were laid off in 2009.
• Non-traditional, working students, and students of color are being hit the hardest by these cuts.
• Most public university students now have to work long hours every week while in school.

What can we do?

Our tax dollars, tuition, fees, and enrollment numbers keep UNO open. We should have more say in the operation of the university and its funding priorities.

Ways to take action:

• Share stories with students, workers, and faculty...on and off campus. Learn how these budget cuts affect all of us.
• Educate yourself and others about the budget cuts. Knowledge is power!
• Attend public forums and student assemblies to share your stories of cutbacks and get involved in fighting back. Stay informed about the SAVE UNO Coalition by joining their Facebook page.
• Write letters to the editor of the Driftwood, Times-Picayune, and other local news media.
• Help us share information with people at other public universities in Louisiana to build a statewide movement powerful enough to influence political decision-making.
• Get more involved by bringing your ideas and energy to UNO Students for Social
• Justice.
• Join our email list to get more info on meeting times. ALL ARE WELCOME!