Departments shouldn't have to rely on Legislature for funding

Editor,

I'm sure my opinion may be unpopular, but I make no apologies. Being new to UNM, the bashing and criticism directed at President David Schmidly shocks me. I do not understand the need for so many vice presidents and some other decisions he has made, but the budget cuts that are being proposed are something different.

I come from a background of nonprofits, fund raising and helping those in need. My first question to all those programs scrambling around looking for funding: Why now at the 11th hour? For about six months, everyone who receives government funding has known about the budget cuts that are happening this legislative session.

My next question is: Why are you not self-sustaining? The fact that the money the University gives you is the primary source of funding is mind blowing. In order to be a successful organization, adequate funding is needed. This is required so that the organization had sustainability to effectively achieve the organization's goals. So why would any organization think that it could survive without more than one source of funding?

Yes, support programs are needed, but how effective are the programs if they have not looked or obtained all their necessary resources?

Jennifer Benavidez

UNM student