After announcing a budget deficit of $3.1 million in February of this year, Elmhurst College embarked on a series of financial cuts and money making schemes—and The Leader was there every step of the way. Here’s a recap of some of the most noticeable changes in the last semester. Graphics by Sarah Schauf.
Back in February, Elmhurst College announced plans to begin The School for Professional Studies, a program offering accelerated, online, and hybrid education. The School hopes to attract nontraditional students—and their more traditional pocketbooks.
Science students filled their Erlenmeyer flasks with hot tears when renovations to the Schaible Science Center were postponed indefinitely. Just when all hopes seemed to blow out like a defective Bunsen burner, President Ray announced plans to head to Springfield and ask for a grant to help the renovation plans get back on track.
Citing lack of student interest, Elmhurst College announced the termination of the bike and Zip Car programs. All residential students should invest in a good pair of walking shoes.
Faculty and staff received limited raises—some, none at all. Give your professor a pat on the back—it might be the only bonus they get this year.
As financial crisis looms, many additional little money-saving acts are adding up the pennies in the Elmhurst piggy bank. President Ray sent an email to all faculty and staff urging them to turn off office lights and shut down computers at the end of the day. If Abraham Lincoln studied law by firelight, professors should be able to grade papers by the glow of their cell phone screens, at the very least.
Funding for many student activities decreased. The Leader felt this sting when summer housing for the Orientation Issue was unexpectedly cut. Can we crash on your couch?
