WKU Student Regent Urges University to Prioritize Students in Budget Planning

Bowling Green – At a recent retreat, the Student Regent of Western Kentucky University (WKU) made a passionate plea for the university to keep students at the forefront of their budget considerations.

Student Regent Sam Kurtz voiced concerns that the needs of student workers were being overshadowed in the university budget, triggering a discussion about the institution’s budget priorities. He was prompted to speak after learning that several student workers were told that a portion of the funds allocated for their jobs in 2023 may not reappear in 2024.

“Isn’t that the point of why we’re all here, to look out for the students?” Kurtz asked, exuding concern that budget challenges may impact the jobs of student workers and the quality of their work.

His comments were made during an annual retreat which saw the Board of Regents discuss plans and updates for the academic year. The retreat also featured a presentation on the university’s budget model.

Like many institutions, WKU is facing budget challenges and have asked various areas to reduce spending by 7.5%. This is part of a broader strategy to close a gap between revenues and expenditures. The university is also implementing a 10% “overhead charge” on revenue generated by areas that cover their costs with earnings they generate.

Despite assurances that funding for some student jobs could be restored during the year, Kurtz was disappointed with the responses from administrators and deans. His key concern was protecting roles that are popular with students from budget cuts. He expressed frustration at what he felt were “cookie-cutter” answers.

“It was almost like the question was a hot potato, and they were throwing it across the room,” Kurtz said.

Kurtz believes that if the board and administration can improve their communication regarding how decisions will impact people, the university might achieve a balance between a holistic and individualistic view of the university.

The Student Regent is calling for a hybrid approach, arguing that while some decisions may only affect a handful of students, those students still matter. “If you’re looking at it from the space view, it might only be five or 10 students. But you know, those are still five to 10 students that are Hilltoppers and that need opportunities,” Kurtz stated.

Kurtz continues to have faith in the university and its leadership and hopes to steer the focus back onto the students. “I feel like that’s what we should always be doing in a way,” he said.

The Board of Regents and President Timothy Caboni responded to Kurtz’s comments by reminding everyone that students are considered first, every single day. Caboni further encouraged any student worker concerned about their position to engage their respective dean.