Interim President Emily Cutrer recently sat down with The Press Democrat to discuss the difficult decisions facing the university, including faculty and staff layoffs, the elimination of academic departments, and the discontinuation of intercollegiate athletics. These cuts are in response to a $24 million budget deficit.
Cutrer emphasized the need for the university to become more involved in the community, strengthen partnerships, and focus on programs that lead to job opportunities for graduates, particularly in healthcare and fields related to the wine industry. She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to preserving the liberal arts, though perhaps with fewer programs.
Cutrer addressed concerns about the timing of the cuts, explaining the process of internal discussions, the need to wait for the governor’s budget, and the complexities of coordinating with various stakeholders. She acknowledged the impact on students, particularly athletes, and expressed regret for any sense of being “trapped.”
Cutrer stated that the decision to cut athletics is not final until the “meet and confer” process with unions is complete and the possibility of changes in state funding is determined. She also addressed questions about administrative pay cuts, explaining her reasoning for declining a voluntary pay reduction. Cutrer emphasized that the university has been dealing with this deficit for several years and that balancing the budget is essential.
