Ryan Berryman

Opinion

Guest Column: Despite budget woes, UNM remains strong

Ryan Berryman | October 26

Happy Midterms, Lobos. We’re one week closer to Christmas break. A lot has transpired on campus over the first few months of the fall semester. As you are likely aware, the final verdict on the UNM budget was passed down from the legislature a few weeks ago. Higher education across the state received a five percent cut, which equates to a $9.8 million reduction to Main Campus. While this number seems severe, a great credit is due to a number of campus constituencies for voicing to legislators how important it was for UNM to only receive a five percent reduction, as cuts as high as eight percent were proposed in Santa Fe. What makes this reduction most challenging is that the UNM system has already progressed nearly one-third through the fiscal year and now must make adjustments to already allocated budgets.

Opinion

Column: New student fees will provide renovations that will benefit underclassmen, graduates alike

Ryan Berryman | February 22

It is often difficult to pinpoint exactly why student fees increase from one semester to the next. I too become quite confused when navigating my bursars account. On Friday, February 11, the Regents authorized the refinancing and refunding of previously issued institutional bonds while also authorizing administration to purchase additional bonds, generating approximately $55 million dollars for the University. Why, you may ask? After years of planning and discussion, both administration and student leadership came to the agreement that some of our facilities are behind the times

Opinion

Column: Who are the Regents?

Ryan Berryman | October 27

As a Freshman at the University of New Mexico, I wouldn’t have been able to explain who the regents are. After making a presentation this past week to Emerging Lobo Leaders, an engaging and diverse group of talented young students, I found that many students are as unaware of who the Regents are as I once was. The Board of Regents at the University of New Mexico are assembled of seven members appointed by the Governor of New Mexico. The Board has the power to govern the University, including the fiduciary responsibility for the assets and programs of the University, the establishment of goals and policies to guide the University, and the oversight of the functioning of the University (regents.unm.edu). The Board vests the responsibly of operation and management in the President of the University, Dr. Robert G. Frank. So, why is this important? Because the Regents have been entrusted by the New Mexico Constitution to guide the state’s flagship institution, we address issues that affect the entire campus community. An example may provide further clarification. In September, the Regents approved a resolution for $35M worth of bonds to renovate Johnson Center. This renovation is much needed and affects all parties on campus, including administration, faculty, staff and students. In this scenario, the board’s approval is the first step in a succession of approvals that are required for a new and improved Johnson Gym.

Guest Column: Despite budget woes, UNM remains strong

Column: New student fees will provide renovations that will benefit underclassmen, graduates alike

Column: Who are the Regents?

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