Budget cuts across campus
AS THE University prepares to enter a new phase of expansion, it is faced with the prospect of slashed budgets following a schedule of departmental reviews, with the result that departments are being encouraged to make savings wherever possible, including on staffing levels, to help bring the University out of deficit.
Library Committee minutes obtained by Nouse show that the library is faced with a “severe budget cut” of £450,000. In order to meet the target, the Library has made “all possible” savings on staff and operating costs, but has also had to cut the journals and books budgets. The Library has also had to plan to meet future targets.
The December minutes of the History Department Teaching Committee advised that “students should put pressure on the Students’ Union” to help save money. YUSU Academic and Welfare Officer Amy Foxton has responded by stating “we realise that the University must spend its money responsibly but are opposed to the University cutting its spending on students.”
It is also feared that the cuts will affect York’s league table position. The Times Good University Guide scores universities on their library, computing and facilities spending. Last year, York dropped in this league table from 7th to 15th place. Amy Foxton said “It is likely that these cuts will affect York’s league table position.”
In addition, cuts are likely to worsen the issue of value for money raised by last year’s National Student Satisfaction Survey, a concern which has been exacerbated now that tuition fees have increased to £3,000 per year for UK students and up to £12,000 for overseas students.
The cause of the deficit has not yet been revealed, though some suggest that the Heslington East expansion is to blame, while Amy Foxton claims that the 1960s architecture is draining money in upkeep and repairs. When asked whether YUSU were taking any action on the issue, Foxton replied that she did not know.
