Campus-wide budget cuts at Princeton have mostly affected non-essential services like free food, merchandise, and department events. The goal is to maintain the University’s core priorities, as explained by administrators during a recent Undergraduate Student Government (USG) meeting. These cuts range from five to ten percent across departments.
Provost Jennifer Rexford noted, “We’re aiming for cuts that allow us to focus on bigger initiatives rather than just chipping away at everything.” The reductions will lead to fewer weekend hours at smaller libraries and a shortened Wintersession, which offers workshops and classes during the winter break.
Administrators also pointed out that while guidance from Nassau Hall is present, departments decide how to implement these cuts. This decentralized approach makes it challenging to have a clear picture of all the changes. Executive Vice President Katie Callow-Wright remarked that tracking every budget adjustment is unrealistic.
Recent discussions have revealed that layoffs may occur gradually, and while graduate student admissions are down, hiring for faculty and staff will continue, albeit at a slower pace. New building projects will proceed but will do so more slowly.
Rexford emphasized the need for efficiency. The University is looking for ways to save money across various units, including real estate and IT services. For example, the recent presidential cabinet retreat was held on campus to save costs.
Some changes might not be permanent. Dining Services is monitoring student traffic to adjust late meal hours. Vice President for Campus Life Rochelle Calhoun explained that reduced overnight services at the Frist Health Center were due to staffing issues, not budget cuts.
Despite these reductions, funding for student groups remains stable, with the USG increasing its budget for the Projects Board to $160,000 this year to support student events.
Students have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding these changes. USG leaders are exploring ways to improve communication with the student body. President Enzo Kho stated that while the University isn’t intentionally obscure, there’s room for improvement in simplifying communication. Vice President Aishwarya Swamidurai echoed this sentiment, noting they can help amplify messages but often lack the full context.
As Princeton navigates these budget challenges, it’s essential to keep an eye on how these changes impact student life and opportunities for involvement on campus.
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