BSU Students Still Confused After Budget Forum

Pres. Hanson Falls Short with Answers

By John Hanson and John Andringa

January 24, 2011

Bemidji, MN — On January 20, BSU Pres. Richard Hanson spoke students and tried to answer their questions about the university’s $6.2 million budget deficit. Four academic programs will be eliminated and another seventeen programs will be reduced due to the cuts. In addition, the men’s track and field team will be eliminated to be more in compliance with Title IX. Most members of the track and field men’s and women’s teams walked out after Hanson said he was standing strong” on the decision to eliminate the men’s team.

 President of Bemidji State University, Dr. Richard Hanson, listens to students speak at the budget forum Jan. 20, 2011. Photo by John Hanson.

Afterwards, Kendra Cobb, sophomore and member of the women’s track and field, expressed the frustration felt by both the men’s and women’s teams: “Yesterday we found out our track and field men’s team is going to be cut and, therefore, probably our women’s team also, just because men’s and women’s track and field is all together. Pretty much that is going to be cut because of Title 9. It’s really sad but. . .”

Some students said they were even more confused and frustrated after listening to Hanson. Sarah Shepherd, a senior pre-law student said, “I want Pres. Hanson to give us straightforward answers when he can, as soon as he can.”

The doomed programs will not face immediate elimination for the next two years because the university will continue with a teach-out program. Junior and senior students currently enrolled in programs, which face elimination, would be able to complete their degrees. Michael Meehlhause, co-president of the BSU student senate, said, “You don’t have to agree with the budget cuts, but I think you have to understand the position he (President Hanson) is in.”

  Student responses to the budget cuts were posted on a billboard on the third floor of Hagg-Sauer Hall. Photo by John Hanson.

Despite the reduction and recalibration of the university, three departments emerge uncut and experience growth in the coming years. Positions will be added to the Indian studies, business and mass communication departments.