Illinois' stagnant state budget has had a devastating effect on SIU. To make up for less-than-accurate economic projections by Illinois lawmakers, SIU was forced to fill a $7 million hole in its operating budget. In February, Chancellor Walter Wendler swung the budget ax, proposing to cut more than 30 jobs and $7 million from various department budgets.
Though Wendler's proposed 18 percent tuition increase - expected to generate $8.5 million next year - was not presented as a solution for the shortfall, it has many students nonetheless screaming "foul." In addition, Gov. George Ryan asked for a $29 million reduction in higher education spending, further exacerbating the University's budget problems.
Now, SIU's stormy budget forecast has begun to hover over the issue of safety and available space within some campus buildings. The SIUC of today is a large, multi-purpose research institution with more than 19,000 enrolled, but much of the campus is straightjacketed by buildings built during the days when SIUC was a small teacher's college.
Many campus buildings are nearly 100 years old. Buildings such as Woody Hall - home to the Financial Aid Department, the Bursar's Office and Admissions and Records - and Anthony Hall - where administration is housed - were originally built as residence halls. Pulliam Hall, where classes are taught, was originally designed as a high school for family members of SIUC faculty.
These buildings have cramped and inadequate space. Space is also problem within other facilities, including the Communications Building - home to the Theater Department, the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts, the SIU Radio/ Television Department and The Daily Egyptian.
The University's Land-Use Plan, which calls for a complete redesign of the campus' layout, is expected to address the issue of available space, or lack thereof, on campus. This all-important initiative cannot be swept under the rug amidst budget problems, nor can administrators drag their feet in bringing it to fruition. The lack of space also raises serious questions about building safety and the safety of students.
In Pulliam Hall, for example, hazardous chemicals from the glass shop located in the building are stored in the hallways because of the lack of proper storage facilities. This poses a dangerous threat to students, faculty, civil services workers and maintenance personnel in Pulliam and surrounding areas.
Talk of constructing a proper storage facility has yielded little action, in part because of the budget shortfall. The University cannot properly address students' needs in the new millennium with facilities built from the 19th century. Shortfall or not, this problem can no longer be ignored.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
