Original Article: http://dartreview.com/archives/2003/04/25/is_nothing_sacred.php
Friday, April 25, 2003
With the recent budget crisis, the College has had an unprecedented opportunity to publicly define its priorities. Unfortunately, Dartmouth's administrators have been loath to do so, instead relying on vague rhetoric and clandestine policy decisions. The Dartmouth Library, however, represents one area where the Administration's priorities cannot be more clear.
In this issue, I write on the current disaster in the library. During the course of my research, it became clear that one of the largest aggravating factors is the current lack of funds. The Provost's decision to release more money to the Library—$350,000—is laudable, but this was earmarked solely for collections—not staff—and was only released after widespread faculty uproar. It was no benevolent gesture.
The Library is the heart of any academic institution. There is no doubt about this. The rest—sports, student programming, etc.—they're just bells and whistles, albeit important ones. But at its foundation, this College exists as an academic institution. So when priorities conflict with budgets, those on the bottom must suffer, while the top should be completely insulated, especially if the top is integral to every other facet of the College's academic life.
This past year close to a million dollars was trimmed from the fifteen million dollar library budget, or almost seven percent. While the extra money released is useful, it is still a pittance, a token offering to appease faculty. And it certainly doesn't address the 170 people in the library fearing for their jobs.
With all the hoopla over the libraries and the swim team, the Student Life Initiative has slipped through the cracks. Why didn't we hear anything about cuts to these budgets? The answer is simple: they're as well funded as ever. Take, for example, the required diversity training on the opposing page, costing between three and five thousand dollars (Cassie Barnhardt, the administrator in charge, did not respond to my queries for exact numbers) for a one-day event, one whose utter inanity is better suited for middle-schoolers, not upperclassmen at Dartmouth College.
Or what about the increase in Undergraduate Advisor salaries a few years ago? Not only do they receive free board, but they're given a $1,000 per term , even if they live on senior halls where their duties entail very little. Each year, these salaries cost in the vicinity of $500,000. Students used to become UGAs for no stipend, but the current goal is to attract 'more qualified' candidates. I need not even mention the week-long UGA diversity training.
Let us return to the foundation of Dartmouth College. The feel-good activities and diversity training have clouded the Administration's vision. As an academic institution, the library should not be expected to suffer any budget cuts, and it's time the Administration realizes this, before it's too late.
Editor's note: After this editorial went to press, it was pointed out that Undergraduate Advisors do not presently receive free board.The Review apologizes for this mistake.