x
Breaking News
More () »

UConn fears a devastating future for students if budget is cut

STORRS – The future of many students at UConn are now uncertain especially those who have financial aid packages with the university. This comes after the enorm...

STORRS – The future of many students at UConn are now uncertain especially those who have financial aid packages with the university.

This comes after the enormous budget cuts proposed by lawmakers that can have a negative impact on the school.

In a press conference, UConn’s president, Susan Herbst called this a “historic moment for the state.” The university is ranked as one of the top schools in the country but if these cuts go through, she said that ranking will drastically sink.

“We’re very worried about the university, said Susan Herbst, UConn President.

It would be a $300 million cut that would include UConn Health and its regional campuses. One of the areas that would be impacted the most is the student financial aid and those changes could happen as soon as next semester.

“They’d get very big classes. They’d get lesser professors.  They wouldn’t have all the majors they can get now and people of means, people of money would not send their children here. They’d send their children to private universities,” added Herbst.

Lucca Frieri transferred to UConn from Housatonic Community College with hopes of expanding his education.

“I am worried honestly that they’re showing to be new adversities and new things to get used to, but I think that’s the whole reason we’re here in the first place,” said Frieri.

Other students like senior Nate Nadeau are not as worried for themselves but more for UConn’s future.

“The students that are ten years old that are in grade school still coming up … what does that mean for them? What does it mean for those children,” said Nadeau.

When asked about Division 1 sports, Herbst did not have much to say.

“I think it’s got to be discussed,” added Herbst.

UConn is currently ranked number 18 for a public research university but Herbst said that number will go down and it will become unattractive for students and parents.

“I teared up and I thought about the kind of experience they’re going to have and how that will change,” added Herbst.

There are two planned rallies for Wednesday evening:

  • Hugh S. Greer Field House from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Storrs campus
  • Academic entrance of UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue at the Farmington campus from 5:00-5:30 p.m.

Before You Leave, Check This Out