Interim President Ed Schafer listened to the UND community at the budget open forum. Many think the budget process was flawed. Photo by Nick Nelson/ The Dakota Student

We know that the budget cuts so many are against are coming. Comments on how the budget process has been handled were voiced in the open forum to Interim President Ed Schafer, most of them being critical of the process. Making these tough decisions can’t be easy, and it takes a lot of thought and evaluation.

My issue is when the UND budget cut feedback from the community got into the hands of those who make these decisions, very few alterations were made.

Students on campus, faculty and Grand Forks Herald letters were largely critical of the budget cut process because of the unique programs that are on the chopping block, such as music therapy and Studio One.

It can’t be easy to come up with a way to cut $12.6 million from UND’s budget. But it would be irresponsible to ask for feedback from the community without considering the overall consensus of the community. In my research of articles, of speaking to students and some faculty, the consensus from the UND community is clear. People do not like the proposed cuts, and believe the cuts should come in other areas.

I am only a student, and I don’t know what the best          options are for UND. I don’t know where all the cuts should be made.

I believe the backlash and embedded feedback speaks to the level of concern and passion the UND community has for these programs. If there are decisions made which don’t work on behalf of that community, then what is left? I foresee these cuts as bringing a lack of uniqueness, interest, students and liberal arts to campus in the future. I would assume that the continuance of anger and confusion won’t subside right away.

It may be easy to think that we should just let things dwindle out, and hope people forget how it impacts or will impact them. But I wonder if these cuts being considered are thinking about the long term.

I  am unsure of the vision and purpose that’s being proposed to UND. In  what sense do these cuts limit the students, faculty and greater good while benefitting UND in the long term?

If all departments are to go through this grueling process, it might be best to make sure that all departments are dealing with it in the same way, with similar expectations.

It seems that there is a lot to consider, but I think the feedback that was given is critical for this process. It’s not  a fun thing to do, but it is necessary to not cause unwanted fire to the bigger issue.

Amina Chinnell-Mateen is a columnist for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected]