Letter from Mt. Hood President Debbie Derr

In the May 1 issue of The Advocate, an article entitled “Proposed budget to be presented for approval,” as well as an editorial called “Students deserve answers on the new budget proposals,” were published.

I recognize that The Advocate is a primary source of information for our student body and believe that it is imperative that students are provided with information that is complete and accurate. I would like to take this opportunity to expand and clarify information for our students that was discussed in these articles. In my meetings with ASG Executive Committee and the Advocate staff I became convinced that this was the right thing to do.

The article voices concerns about “controversial” issues such as:

 

“An $85,000 decrease in the student tuition waiver program.”

The fact is that there was a decrease in one specific pilot program budget. When we determined that the money might generate better outcomes in other programs, we shifted those funds to other waiver programs. The overall amount of waiver program funding increased in the proposed budget.

 

“A large jump in the student loan and grant money … a somewhat unsettling trend.”

Due to Oregon budget law, the College cannot spend more than what is budgeted in any category. The nature of the federal Pell Grant and Direct Loan Programs require us to award aid to any student who is eligible and requests the aid. While we don’t anticipate a large jump, we are prepared to pass these funds through to our students. It is our goal to continue to strive to increase awareness of these subsidies and their current and future impact. The fact is that students need assistance to achieve their educational goals. Regardless of whether or not you agree or disagree with the value of borrowing for your education, we know that many students rely on loans, grants and scholarships to pay for their college education. We are simply providing another avenue for students whose only route to reaching their educational goals is by borrowing. Additionally, we may not lend out the entirety of the amount, as that choice is in the students’ hands as to whether or not they wish to take out a loan.

 

“Earmarking $84,000 to support Mt. Hood’s planned general obligation bond initiative campaign.”

The fact is that the Mt. Hood Community College District has not passed a bond since the early 70s. After 50 years, the college desperately needs resources to modernize our facilities, expand our capabilities and prepare to meet the needs of students for the next 50 years. If we successfully pass a bond it will mean we will have $125 million entrusted to us with which we can prepare for the future. It will also enable us to receive $8 million in capital funding we are currently unable to match. Without a match, we will lose the $8 million.

 

“Increase for top campus managers and administrators.”

The fact is that while union-represented employee groups including classified staff and the full- and part-time faculty receive negotiated increases in pay, the managerial group is not represented by a union and does not receive contractual increases. The approved salary schedule implements a fair and predictable compensation systems that demonstrates the College values all of its employees.

 

“Proposed $3.50 per-credit hour tuition increase.”

The fact is that the Board approved this with the proviso that if the state legislature should increase our funding over the current estimated amount of $535 million for the 2015-17 biennium, those dollars would go directly towards reducing the tuition increase.

 

“The appointed lamb to slaughter in this case is the student body.”

The fact is that administrative and instructional departments across the College saw cuts to their funding leading to a savings of nearly $500,000. We will always look to ways where we can save internally first, and will never look to any one group to inordinately bear the brunt of tough decisions.

Hopefully this information clarifies some of the concerns raised by The Advocate. If anyone has further questions, I encourage them to attend the May 13 MHCC Board of Education meeting, where a time will be made to voice those questions. I want to thank the students for their amazing advocacy and presence at the Budget Committee meeting on May 6.

I also want to say that I believe tremendously in student journalism, and feel that a student newspaper is an amazing resource in not only providing information to the student body, but also engaging that student body in healthy debate.

At the same time, there is a level of responsibility and integrity that goes with the profession of journalist – whether you are a student-reporter or working at the New York Times – and that is a responsibility to gather accurate facts, understand the breadth of perspectives on issues, and provide information/conclusions supported by facts and sound reason.

 

Sincerely

Debbie Derr

MHCC President