I read with interest and concern the article concerning the University’s loss of endowment and associated spending cuts (President’s Page, June 10). The loss of endowment is out of our control, but the spending cuts being implemented are misplaced.
As the owner of a small business (20+ people) for more than 20 years I have managed good times and bad times, each having its challenges. What I have learned is that in a downnside scenario, it is better to cut narrowly and deeply, rather than demoralizing all employees with salary freezes, increases in copying fees, etc. Laying off one or two people, with compassion, saves a lot of expense without demoralizing the remaining staff. My suggestion is that the University can accomplish far more in the way of cutting expenses by eliminating entirely programs or departments that attract little student interest, rather than nickel-and-diming the University as a whole.