To all members of UConn Nation:
My name is Irma Valverde and I am the Undergraduate Student Body President at the Storrs campus. Last week as we were celebrating that the University of Connecticut rose to become the 18th best public university in the nation, our legislature voted to cut UConn’s funding by more than $300 million!
President Herbst mentioned in her statement earlier this week just a partial list of what this destructive cut can do. UConn might be forced to close UConn Health, regional campuses, and academic departments; it would end degree programs; it would cut financial aid while increasing tuition and fees; it would freeze all hiring; and it would cut Division I sports. When I found this out I thought, “What can I do?” And I know you are all wondering the same.
To the university community I ask all of you to speak up and act now. The Undergraduate Student Government and Graduate Student Senate will be hosting a #SaveUConn Rally:
Wednesday, September 20th, 2017 at the Hugh S. Greer Field House from 6:30-7:30 PM.
We invite all UConn students, faculty and staff to be present and to show state lawmakers that we care, we are here, and that we will be impacted by this budget cut. Show your pride in our university by wearing your UConn apparel. Spread the word and share the event on Facebook by clicking here.
Connecticut residents please also reach out to your legislators.
Find your legislators by clicking here.
The links below show how members of the House and Senate voted on the budget. If there is a “Y” next to the person’s name, they voted to cut UConn by $300 million. If there is an “N” next to their name they voted against cutting UConn.
Senate Vote:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/VOTE/s/2017SV-00466-R00HB07501-SV.htm
House Vote:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/VOTE/h/2017HV-00405-R00HB07501-HV.htm
For students, please mention the following:
- Why you decided to come to UConn.
- What set UConn apart from other universities for you.
- What is special to you about the UConn experience.
- What you want to do once you have earned your degree.
- How you would be affected if your financial aid was cut or eliminated. What it would mean for you if you could not get into the classes you needed. What it would mean if your major was cut. What it would mean if you could not graduate in four years. What it would mean to you if UConn slashed students services and programing.
We have one chance to show our state lawmakers that we will not be silent when it comes to a budget that would destroy us. Every student should care about this. This could bring down the value of your degree when you graduate, make it unaffordable for you to continue your education, and drive away excellent students away from the university and out of Connecticut. Please contact your legislators, but most importantly take one hour out of your week to come and speak out on the proposed budget cuts at the #SaveUConn Rally.
Sincerely,
Irma Valverde
For more information, contact: Irma A. Valverde at (860) 486-3807