Administrative pay cuts should be rule, not exception

With all of the hullabaloo over the stimulus package on Capitol Hill this week, it was another somber reminder of where the American economy is headed, with or without governmental intervention.

Back here on the bluff, students and families are preparing for financial aid season; it’s a safe bet that some of them will be unhappy with what eventually transpires.

Every university across the country is bracing for some harsh realities. More transfers, fewer applicants and reduced matriculation rates mean less income. Perpetually ballooning budgets and jumps in tuition won’t do anything to alleviate the pain.

Given the current climate, some university officials have decided to tackle the situation head on. In December, Stanford’s highest-ranking administrators announced they would be taking a 10 percent pay cut in 2009 (including President John Hennessy who makes around $700,000). Stanford Provost John Etchemendy said in a letter to the school they would be “irresponsible not to prepare for this eventuality.”

Any way to address budget concerns is a positive step.

LMU has announced a hiring freeze for all non-academic staff positions, but I wonder if the shot-callers around here would be willing to consider pay cuts. It’s hard not to notice the nice cars they drive, so we can assume they’re doing OK for themselves.

When next year’s tuition is announced within the next few weeks (something I luckily won’t be paying), get ready to ask some serious questions of those who handle the money at LMU, and reap the benefits.

--- O.S. Borboa