The recession has definitely left its mark on universities and community colleges. Funding is being slashed, educators' salaries are frozen, faculty workloads are increasing, supplies are in short demand, and fear and uncertainty abound.
The State Constitution of North Carolina requires a balanced budget each year (unlike our federal government). There is an estimated $3 billion shortfall this fiscal year. State employees are currently being required to "give back" to the state 0.5% of their salaries, to help make up for this fiduciary crisis. This is in exchange for a "furlough" of 10 hours, which most educators will never see.
The latest projected cuts to education in North Carolina (for the year 2010-2011) are most disconcerting - a projected decrease in funding for 2010-11 by $59.2 million. This translates to:
16.1% cut from the state university system
14.2% cut from the state community college system
14.2% cut from the state public school system
Some sources of financial aid to students have dried up, but others remain available (such as Stafford Loans).
In my college of nursing, we are restricted on photocopying, travel, and use of supplies. We are rationing paper and ink cartridges. Workloads have increased. Nursing classes have been doubled in size. Students are packed in classrooms like sardines. People are very worried that actual job cuts (to faculty and staff) are next.
I consider myself most fortunate to still have a job that I love in the midst of this terrible recession.
Our graduates are having difficulty finding employment. Only 40% of the latest group of graduates (May) have found nursing jobs. Many have placed applications at multiple facilities, including longterm care, with little success.
How is your school of nursing faring in these tough financial times?
