Schmidly's actions won't give professors a reason to stay

Editor,

As a UNM student, I am appalled and disappointed in President David Schmidly's decision to, among other things, halt the hiring and pay increases of professors. There are alternative ways of saving money.

Other universities, like Florida International University, are successfully exploring a four-day college week. Many buildings close three days a week to save costs on energy. This has been done because of oil prices, and it is environmentally friendly. This even attracts professors and students. Perhaps the athletic department should have budget cuts.

Eighty million dollars is being spent on stadium renovations, but we can't hire a professor. Yes, athletics are important to UNM, but this is a place for higher education. Without professors, students who are paying for education cannot learn. I, like many others, have noticed the class listings in some departments getting smaller and smaller each semester. Now what will happen to class offerings?

When all of the professors leave because there is no opportunity for advancement, and there are no replacements, what will happen to the University? It will become a research and sports attraction. It seems that Schmidly has forgotten the purpose of a university: to educate.

Samantha Morris

UNM student