LSUE chancellor reacts to latest budget cut news

On Jan. 26, LSUE Chancellor Kimberly Russell submitted a plan to LSU for how the campus would deal with a possible $ $797,151 budget cut, but Thursday’s announcement that TOPS payments have been suspended will only bump up the day the campus is left in the lurch.
“It (The TOPS suspension) simply moves forward the date that LSUE will not have funds to cover its financial obligations,” Russell said in an email. “LSUE cannot withstand an additional $550,508 reduction.”
Part of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ plan to fix the state’s budget called for the suspension of the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, and the figure of $550,508 is the total LSUE students have already been allocated for their TOPS scholarships for the spring of 2016.
“This cut would not directly affect our 423 students since LSUE will not pass along the shortfall to the students,” Russell said. “At this point, we understand that the state is requiring LSUE to absorb the cut. LSUE receives over $1.1 million annually in TOPS tuition payments. Non-payment of TOPS tuition coupled with the additional cuts from state appropriations would result in the ultimate demise of LSUE.”
The original budget cut plan for LSUE included reductions and furloughs of employees, a reduction in courses and programs, an increase in student fees and a decrease in student services.
“LSU and LSUE provided the information to Governor Edwards and have been working on many different budget scenarios,” Russell said. “We were not informed about the suspension of TOPS until 3 p.m. yesterday afternoon.”
 Russell continued, “Over the last eight years, LSU Eunice has realized more than a 60 percent decline in state support, the elimination of essential student services and support, a reduction of degree and certificate programs, and a 25 percent decrease in overall enrollment. However, this fall we reallocated resources and focused on reaching to out to our local communities to position LSUE for future expansion and growth.”
Russell said the campus also had a 5 percent increase in enrollment and a 3 percent increase in semester credit hours earned this spring, an accomplishment she hopes will provide momentum in upcoming semesters.
“These small successes are evidence of the great potential for LSUE students, faculty, staff and the Eunice community!” Russell added.
 She said, “The people of southwest Louisiana deserve access to high quality, post-secondary education. I am committed to helping our students, parents, faculty, staff and local community continue their education, improve their lives and become productive and successful citizens.
“Now, more than ever, LSUE needs your support. Please contact your local legislators and let them know how all of our constituents will suffer without adequate state support for our public community colleges and universities. It’s embarrassing for all of us in higher education including the flagship family of LSU.”  
Russell said she had spoken with LSU President F. King Alexander, and she had another conference call scheduled with him Friday afternoon. Russell said Alexander also sent an e-mail to LSU students after receiving the news of the TOPS suspension.
The e-mail stated, “This afternoon, the Division of Administration informed all Louisiana colleges and universities that TOPS payments would be suspended effective immediately due to the state’s current year budget shortfall.
 “We do not know at this point exactly what this means for students. This is the first time such a suspension has occurred and no process exists for implementation. We are going to work through this as quickly as possible so that you know the ramifications. Our team is working non-stop to determine both answers and next steps for all those affected.
 “Our state is facing incredibly challenging times, and finding solutions to these unprecedented budget shortfalls will require extraordinary leadership from our governor and Legislature. We will continue to provide information as it becomes available. Visit www.lsu.edu/budget for background information and additional details.”
Russell said she would address the faculty and staff at LSUE at noon Friday.
“LSUE remains committed to its students, faculty, staff and the local community,” Russell said. “I will do everything in my power to ensure the successful completion of the spring semester,  the continuity of courses and programs and the ultimate awarding of degrees in May.”