About the underfunding of universities
So, worst-case scenario: The Quebec Government concludes, after its summit on higher education, that universities don’t deserve more support. It’s certainly a possibility. Even though over the past few years, serious studies have shown that universities are indeed underfunded. Among them is a study conducted by CREPUQ, the conference of rectors, principals and presidents of Quebec’s universities.
But what happens if this is the conclusion out of Quebec City? Who loses most? Students. Because the people who would benefit the most from a reinvestment in Quebec’s universities would be students – students who must have access to better support and better services, the best teaching and research possible, with the best professors, the best researchers and the latest equipment.
McGill’s success is phenomenal, despite the fact our revenue base pales in comparison with those of the universities around the world with which we compare and compete.
But, like an elastic band that is stretched to the limit, something’s gotta give. We can’t keep this up forever. Eventually, the elastic will snap.
We are underfunded. At McGill, that has an effect on our operating budget, levels of student support and services, support for our researchers and professors, and on our capacity to maintain our infrastructure and our equipment.
We need to find sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by that harsh reality.
Wouldn’t it be in the interests of all at this University if students, faculty and administrators were allies in this issue?
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I AM A STUDENT AND I DO NOT THINK THAT I LOSE THE MOST FROM THE “UNDERFUNDING” OF UNIVERSITIES.
Moreover, representative bodies of STUDENTS, whom you claim to speak for, such as the SSMU or PGSS all have DRASTICALLY different views than yourself or our Principal. It WOULD be in the interests of us all to be allies instead of being bullied/misrepresented by unaccountable, un-elected administrators such as yourself!
It is obvious who is going to suffer the most from these government cuts — the faculty and the support staff. If the students are able to get so much attention from their public demonstrations. Why don’t the University staff use the same tactics. How about a one-day walk-out of the entire University staff to protest the governments inane policies.