Volume CXXXII, Number 12 January 24, 2003 f

First thoughts on layoffs

The story of the 2003-2004 budget is an emotional one. Tough choices regarding program and position elimination will be made daily until the February 7 meeting of the Board of Trustees, when the final version of the budget proposal will be presented. The Trustees are expected to approve the budget, which will make layoffs and reductions in services official.

The reality of Bowdoin's finances is hitting very, very close to home. At a small school such as Bowdoin, it is unrealistic to assume that eliminating 25-30 positions could not affect students in a real way. While administrators claim that changes to student services will be "immaterial" or "almost unnoticeable," it is likely that many students will in some way experience inconvenience.

The most immediate impact that position elimination will have on students will come through their interactions with staff members during the next few weeks. Employees all over campus anxiously await the decisions. Short-term lost administrative productivity due to lengthy nervous talks by the water cooler may not affect students directly. But, when the phrases "budget cuts," "impending layoffs," and "probable increased workload for survivors" dominate the thoughts of Bowdoin's staff it seems highly unlikely that the care and nurture they can offer Bowdoin students, particularly in the next few weeks, could be up to usual high standards.

The arrival of layoffs brings Bowdoin into the real world. It is easy to look at Bowdoin's wealthy façade and assume financial prosperity. Though seniors know about the depressed economy all too well, the announcement of budget challenges so great that layoffs are required comes as too great a surprise to most students distracted by their engagement in the offerings of the College.

Though Mills welcomed feedback in his September letter announcing the need to cut costs, the administration has failed to actively solicit student input on ways to reduce spending. Mills plans to meet with Bowdoin Student Government next week to discuss the budget, but the entire student body should have been made aware of financial problems earlier, not just by simple letters to SU boxes, and been invited to participate in the process.

But there are good chapters to the Budget 2003-2004 story. As of December 31, alumni giving levels are as high as ever, if not higher, both in terms of dollars and participation. In such a tough economy, this is an amazing display of support from Bowdoin's alums. If giving remains on target, it will significantly help Bowdoin weather the storm.

Finally, the new budget really does show Bowdoin's commitment to its core mission of education. By avoiding cuts to the academic programs and providing financial aid funds sufficient to continue the tradition of need-blind admission, Bowdoin can continue to offer top-notch instruction and educational opportunities for qualified students, regardless of their ability to pay.

The next few weeks will be difficult on campus, particularly for administrators and staff and students should be sensitive to these trying circumstances.

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