The Vista November 20, 1986

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N.A. helps Cameron clips Test anxiety addicts...page 5 Bronchos...page 6 solutions...page 8

THE November 20, 1986 Vol. 85, No. 22

ITISPIA

Thursday Edition

Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma

Bellmon seeks recommended budget cuts from state institutions of higher education By Shannon Blockcolski Editor Department chairpersons, deans and vice presidents at CSU are working around the clock to provide Governor-elect Henry Bellmon with a comprehensive report on possible budget cuts and increases by Friday evening, said Dr. Bill Lillard, CSU president. Bellmon issued a memorandum Nov. 6 to all state agencies and all state supported colleges and universities concerning budget cuts and increases. The memorandum requests that all agencies and institutions review their various programs and activities, and set priorities for both funding cuts and potential funding increases. Bellmon asked that the college and university presidents identify ways in which the institutions can make cuts of either eight or fifteen percent of the currently approved level for fiscal year 1987. "I do not want recommendations for across-the-board cuts. It is my opinion that this type of cut dooms all programs to mediocrity," Bellmon said. "I would rather do fewer programs well than do many poorly. I,

therefore, want your recommendations to isolate those programs that should be discontinued under both budget cutting scenerios." "He wants to see which areas can be cut less than eight percent, more than eight percent or not at all," Lillard said. "We are asking for input from all department chairman and deans." Dr. Leroy Crozier, chairperson of the political science department, said no information could be given at this time on the amount of recommended cuts or increases each department will submit. Bellmon said in the memorandum that he is sending survey teams to several state agencies and institutions to analyze, in detail, their work program budgets. "They (the survey teams) will look especially closely at those programs and activities which have been instituted or expanded since fiscal year 1982," Bellmon stated in the memorandum. "I suggest that special attention be given to the possibility of eliminating or reducing any new programs or expansions begun since that time. "I want to have priorities set so

that each program your institution provides the people of Oklahoma is of high quality, rather than simply proliferating mediocre programs." Sam Armstrong, public relations director for Bellmon, said one of the nine survey teams will be sent to investigate certain colleges and universities. The institutions to be survey are; Central State University, Oklahoma University, Oklahoma State University, Rose State Junior College, Tulsa Junior College and Northeastern Oklahoma State University. According to Armstrong, Alvin Acorn, retired vice president of administration for CSU, is the chairman of the volunteer staffed survey team for higher education. The other eight members represent various occupations in the community, Armstrong said. In the questionnaire for Oklahoma Institutions of Higher Education, Bellmon asked the presidents to provide all personnel costs, revenues, expenditures, contracts and purchases for fiscal year 1987. "We need to look at which

areas need more funding, have to be cut back or eliminated," Lillard said. Bellmon also asked the following questions: "Give a brief description and current estimated value of real estate owned on campus and off campus."; "What functions now performed by your school overlap or duplicate those of other schools? Assuming such duplication is to be ended, how do you believe that should be accomplished?"; "What level of tuition increase would be required to offset an eight percent decrease in state funding, keeping in mind the impact on enrollment?"; "What level of tuition increase would be required to offset a 15 percent decrease in state funding, keeping in mind the impact on enrollment?" and "If faced with a five or 10 percent reduction in state funding for your school, what would be the least damaging ways for your agency to absorb the reductions?" "I am aware that under the

Oklahoma constitution, appropriation and budget matters are dealt with through the Higher Regents; I am, nevertheless, asking your direct response to me on this request," Bellmon said in the memorandum. Bellmon told The Daily Oklahoman that there will be no elimination of any of the 27 state supported colleges and universities. "Well, regardless of whether I'm personally in favor of it, we may just as well be practical, it isn't going to happen," he said. "These recommendations are not saying that we have to do anything, or are going to do anything," Lillard said. "Bellmon will look at the various reports, and he may decide to follow our report or just make his own cuts. "As much work as it is, it (the recommendations) will be beneficial to the university." Bellmon will present his final budget in late January, 1987.

Survey shows loan defaults 'high' By Susan Green Associate Editor In a survey taken by the Department of Education, Central State University was one of 54 universities listed as having student loan defaults, according to an article in The Daily Oklahoman. The report indicated that CSU also was listed as one of the universities which had the highest number in student loan defaults and the highest amount in dollars. However, Sherri Hancock, director of student financial aid who gave the report to the Department of Education, said CSU was one of the lowest universities listed in dollar value. The report, which indicated that CSU had 1,001 default loans equaling $597,391, Hancock said the universities loan value provides an excess of $5 million, making this a small percent. "We follow collection practices, routinely making the effort to collect. It's just a matter of collecting from the former students," Hancock said. Hancock feels the Oklahoma

economy is one area which causes a real problem for students to pay back their loans. In addition, she said there are just some people, for whatever reason, that don't pay back their loans. The National Direct Student Loan, a 20-year-old program which the legislature developed to help students with their education, is a loan based on financial need. Students fill out an American College Testing packet, which is sent to the federal government. Student are billed six months after graduation, with a minimum payment of $30 a month. Hancock said the loans vary in amount, so the payment time limit varies for each student. Some loans allow ten years to pay back, she said. Hancock said 93 percent of students who have received this loan have paid back or are paying back the loan. Only a small percent haven't paid, she said. "We are trying to lower the percentage all the time, by constantly reaching people. Once we

have taken every mean, we have the option of assigning the case over to the federal government. Then it becomes their loan, Hancock said. "We mail monthly billing statements and when we can, we contact the students by phone. Occasionally, the accounts go to the collection agency after we've done all we can do. With the loans varying, we contact the agency anywhere from three to six months after we have followed our procedures." The funds, which are given to the university by the federal government, are revolving funds. Hancock said as long as student continue to pay back the loans, the university can keep loaning to others. "Whether you are a business or a bank, you have people who refuse to pay. We have this problem with some students. People everywhere don't pay their VISA, Mastercard or doctor bills. This school is no exception," Hancock said.

Photographic Services: Tom Gilbert

Melanie Looney flaunts her second place winning "tighest jeans" at the Levi's 501 Blues dance held 8 p.m. Wednesday in the University Center Ballroom.


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