By Kyle Peveto, Opinion Editor
Among recently announced budget cuts, students are most concerned about the loss of the Academic Advance Department and the Learning Enhancement Center.
Though many said they understand the need for streamlining the university’s expenses, some believe other action could have been taken.
“I see the need for it because of the deficit … I hate that’s where the deficit is going to hit,” said Sarah Woodroof, freshman history major from Nashville.
After ACAD and the LEC are gone, individual departments will bear the work of tutoring and preparing students.
“Teachers won’t have the time,” said Richard Keker, freshman elementary education major from Sugar Land.
The front-running plan for replacement being considered would not require current faculty to add to their courseload.
Students said they follow news about the cuts because they affect students so greatly. Many use the LEC and go through ACAD and said they cannot see the university without these supplemental programs.
“I’m wondering why programs like the LEC or other programs that help students [were cut] when there are other ways of supplementing the budget,” said Remel Derrick, junior music education major from Cedar Hill.
Another area hit in the cuts is the Center for International and Intercultural Education, which will lose Ted and Ellen Presley to early retirement as two of the 44 accepting the university’s offer. The couple took the offer after learning one of ther positions would likely be cut.
The couple has been instrumental in Study Abroad and in international student recruiting and advising. Many students credit them with improving their educations.
“I know they benefited my experience greatly,” said Suzie McKenzie, senior something major from somewhere. “[Study Abroad] wouldn’t have been as good of an experience without them.”
Though many express displeasure at cutting departments and losing leaders such as the Presleys, some said they recognize the university must cut expenses and that students will adapt to any changes.
“I think it’s a hard thing,” said Eric Johnson, freshman finance major from Boerne. “I trust that the leaders … are doing the best they can and will make the best decision for us.”
