News FeedBefore Governor Nixon’s pledge to keep higher education affordable, students were ready to do their part.
After Truman President Darrell Krueger presented budget impact predictions for 15-, 20-, and 25-percent cuts in state funding, several students and organizations moved to find ways to minimize the potential shortfall.
Freshman Josh McCaherty said he first learned of the possible consequences of a drastic decrease in state funding soon after arriving back from winter break.
“At the beginning of the semester, my [student advisors] called a house meeting and told us about the potential effects of the budget crisis,” McCaherty said. “Since then, I’ve felt pretty strongly about saving teachers.”
Soon after the meeting, McCaherty became motivated to act, and created a Facebook group entitled “Save Truman Teachers and Staff.” The group’s main page outlines the details and possible consequences of a potential budget shortfall, and expresses support for an additional $33 per credit hour student fee to offset the deficit.
“I wanted the group to provide information about the budget situation and promote student awareness,” McCaherty said.
According to McCaherty, the group gained over 1,000 members within the first three days. Since then, the group’s discussion boards have been flooded with comments, suggestions, and ideas from students - from textbook alternatives to possible fundraising initiatives.
In addition to creating the Facebook group, McCaherty met with Patty Bolz, owner of Patty’s University Bookstore, to discuss possible ways students could save money on books. McCaherty said that their discussion revealed some inefficient procedures relevant to student spending.
“We found that updated editions of textbooks often include supplemental materials, which, in my experience, are either not used or worth their weight,” McCaherty said.
McCaherty also suggested that students have the power to help with the budget crisis.
“Students need to realize that they can make a difference. If you have an idea, get on the webpage and submit it to the board [of governors],” he added. “I hope to get at least 100 Truman students to attend ‘Storm the Capitol’ next month, and there’s a letter writing campaign, too.”
Freshmen Paul McCain became involved with promoting student involvement in budget discussions shortly after Nixon announced his plan to freeze higher education tuition at Missouri public institutions. McCain also used Facebook to gain student support, starting the group “Help Support Nixon’s Plan to Keep School Funding.” The group is geared toward Missouri students who attend public institutions and provides a template for students wishing to write letters to their state representatives.
McCain believes that letter writing can be very effective, and that many students might not know how they can help.
“I figured that not everyone would know how to compose such a letter,” McCain said. “It’s not exactly like writing a letter to your mother.”
He added that he had already received concerned responses from the St. Louis County state representatives he had written to.
In addition to McCaherty and McCain’s initiatives, other Truman students are finding ways to contribute. Members of the Greek community are currently discussing plans for a large-scale fundraiser to benefit the University, with the proceeds going toward offsetting the budget shortfall. Although the fundraising event has yet to be determined, Greek Director Beth Tuttle said that the refined Greek Community Relations Board would spearhead the fundraiser.
“[In addition to] improving the Greek image on campus, the board would contribute by organizing philanthropy and fundraising events on campus,” Tuttle said.
