Sports page 8
ACU vs. McMurry vol. 100, no. 16
A long forgotten football rivalry could be renewed.
wednesday, october 19, 2011 1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
daniel gomez chief Photographer Students and onlookers admire the fireworks light up the sky over Faubus Fountain Lake after the 2011 Homecoming festivities and JamFest.
university
Plans to propose budget cuts underway hannah barnes editor-in-chief Faculty and staff are waiting to hear the university’s plan to cut costs over the next two years. Because of this year’s lower freshman enrollment, Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, and his Senior Leadership Team expect to propose more budget cuts to the Board of Trustees for fall 2012. The next board meeting will take place Nov. 11-12, and results of its decisions could be announced as soon as midNovember.
The university already made cuts to its annual budget over the summer in anticipation of the lower enrollment. Last month, Schubert and the SLT asked division heads, including faculty chairs, to come up with 15 percent reduction plans in each of their areas as part of an exercise to help identify where cuts could be made. The STL includes Schubert, Dr. Jeanine Varner, provost, and other members of the administration. Varner said the SLT is looking at the plans submitted by each department chair and will create a detailed plan to lower univer-
sity spending. Schubert said he has a “pretty significant concern about the instability and volatility in our economy.” Schubert said the SLT is taking the steps to be proactive and working with ACU’s divisions and departments across campus to look at a range of potential ways to achieve savings. “Obviously we are going to be focused on those areas where we can save money and reduce cost that don’t have an adverse impact – on the student experience, on learning in the classroom and on the heart of what we do here at ACU,” Schubert said.
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We realize the sensitivity, and we will do everything we can to try and minimize the impact on jobs.” Dr. Phil Schubert president of the university
“We want to focus instead on looking at peripheral areas of the university’s operations that don’t have a direct impact on students and being able to reduce cost as much in those areas.” Because about 70 percent of the university’s expenses go toward salaries, Schubert said any signifi-
cant cuts would likely affect jobs. “We realize the sensitivity, and we will do everything we can to try and minimize the impact on jobs,” he said. “This is a place where personnel is at the heart of what we do.” Dr. Rusty Towell, chair of the Faculty Senate and chair of the Department of Physics, said reaction among faculty to the prospect of more cuts in university spending has been varied. “They’ve heard or interpreted the different statements individually,” Towell said. “Some faculty are very concerned – there’s a chance for reduced fund-
ing. Other faculty are less concerned because they are busy teaching classes and focusing their job. It spans the whole gamut.” Varner said budget concerns began in 2008, but the university chose not to make any reductions in hopes of an “uptick” in enrollment. “We are at a point where we feel like we have to make some pretty substantial budget reductions, so our budget will be balanced for the future,” Varner said. Overall fall enrollment fell by 170 students, much of that attributed by university officials to a sharp see budget page 4
homecoming
Collier crowned queen at 2011 Homecoming game julie coppedge student reporter Arielle Collier was crowned Homecoming queen during halftime of the football game on Saturday. The crowd, decked in purple, cheered as the senior vocal performance major from Mesquite accepted the crown, all smiles. Collier was one of ten female ACU students who were nominated for Homecoming queen. The women were nominated based on their activity on campus, said Samantha Adkins, senior alumni relations officer. “You are looking for
women who are involved on campus and who represent ACU well,” Adkins said. “It’s important to see someone who is involved in many aspects.” Collier has been visibly involved in many aspects of campus life. She is an A Capella Chorus member, opera performer, Big Purple Marching Band section leader, class representative and Alpha Kai Omega Sing Song director, to name a few of the positions that have kept Collier busy throughout her years at ACU. Five years ago, ACU wasn’t even on Collier’s radar. Collier’s mother said a friend suggested that she
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“I’m excited; I’m so proud of her; I’m happy for her,” Nick Collier said. “I hope she keeps up great success throughout her life.” Collier exited the field to Samantha adkins a crowd of friends and famsenior alumni ily waiting to congratulate relations officer her. She had no words to express how she felt. “I am excited and speechvisit the campus. “It’s been history ever less. My head is so jumbled since,” said Collier’s mother. right now,” Collier said. Though just a title to “She’s loved it, I’ve loved it — this has been the best choice some, Homecoming queen she could have ever made.” is an honor to Collier. “I feel very honored that Nicky Collier, uncle of Arielle Collier, joined her I have gotten the chance to adrian patenaude Staff Photographer on the field during the half- inspire people and to just time presentation. He said have an impact on people’s Arielle Collier, vocal performance major from Mesquite, he was more nervous than lives,” Collier said. “I think is honored as the 2011 Homecoming queen during halfshe was. see queen page 4 time at Shotwell Stadium.
You are looking for women who are involved on campus and who represent ACU well.”
inside features
opinion
Students and alumni participated in various Homecoming activities
Check out cartoonist Ben Miller’s take on past tuition at ACU
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1912
2012
A CENTURY OF ACU STUDENT MEDIA
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Abilene Christian University
Sing Song
news
Read about the recently announced Sing Song hosts and hostesses
Nation-wide “Me Addiction” tour to stop on campus next week
acuoptimist.com
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