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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

UUP calls for stability at SUNY

Albany, June 30, 2003 -- Today's actions by the SUNY trustees finally give students, parents, faculty and administrators an opportunity to make their plans for the 2003-2004 academic year but once again fall short of ensuring a stable state university, according to William E. Scheuerman, president of United University Professions (UUP).

"Another no-growth financial plan, like the one adopted this morning, does not provide SUNY campuses the fiscal foundation that guarantees much-needed stability in our system," Scheuerman said.
He added: "And, while UUP welcomes Chancellor King's continued commitment to maintaining the current staffing levels and academic programs, we are concerned that he left the door open for future reductions in those areas."

Scheuerman said the future uncertainties surrounding personnel and programs, as well as the need to raise tuition for undergraduate and out-of-state students, are symptomatic of a larger problem that has plagued SUNY for years -- declining state support of the University.

"For too long, academic programs have been jeopardized by an inadequate investment of state dollars into the system," Scheuerman said. "This time, it's the students and their parents on whose backs the University is trying to balance its budget. They shouldn't be expected to pay more for less.

"It doesn't have to be that way, because the answer is simple," Scheuerman continued. "The state university needs to be fully supported by state dollars. It's a smart investment that will pay big dividends to all New Yorkers."

UUP represents more then 34,000 academic and professional faculty on 29 New York State-operated campuses, and is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO and New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).    

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