Cuts still in consideration

Despite the resignation of Board Chair Neil Goldschmidt, theState Board of Higher Education met Thursday and Friday of lastweek and once again discussed the range of cuts necessary as partof the fallout from Measure 30’s failure back in February.

The most notable cuts are being made to the chancellor’s office.Current Chancellor Richard Jarvis submitted his resignation,effective June 30, last month to the board, in deference to the newdirection they are aiming to take postsecondary education inOregon.

Board members expressed their desire to shift the direction ofthe chancellor’s office towards “policy, advocacy, strategy,incentives and accountability for educational outcomes,” accordingto an Oregon University System press release. This would also giveindividual universities more control over the development andimplementation of academic programs.

Each campus within the statewide university system must alsomake cuts. Portland State is expected to make cuts of $1,446,081for the 2003-05 biennium.

Cathy Dyck, associate vice president for finance and planning,said PSU has already made cuts for 2003-04 in anticipation ofMeasure 30’s failure. They are hoping, she added, that enrollmentand other factors will prevent further cuts for 2004-05.