Spring Break
Budget cuts threaten Benton, Museum of Natural History
Allison Lex
Issue date: 3/2/09 Section: News
In times of economic crisis, programs in the arts are often the first to go. After President Michael Hogan's recent announcement that UConn museums may become victims of upcoming budget cuts, students and museum staff are hoping the William Benton Museum of Art and the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History will be able to survive.
Because of the current economic situation, UConn administrators are making a comprehensive review at the value of all university programs and services. This is part of an effort to propose a solution to a predicted $35 million budget gap in 2009-2010. The university's two on-campus museums are among the programs under consideration.
"In these very difficult times, we can no longer afford to do all of the things that we have been doing at the level we have been doing them," Hogan said.
Already, the administration has closed six centers, merged four programs into two and eliminated two graduate programs that were thought to be costing the university too much money.
"Every one of these was a difficult decision, made after careful study and discussion," Hogan said. "These are never easy decisions, but we must examine every program and unit this way."
Hogan stressed that the basis for these decisions is not purely financial. The academic, research, social, and cultural benefits of all programs must be considered, as well as the cost to the university.
Still, there is a direct correlation between UConn's budget and the fate of the museums.
"The future endeavors of the university's libraries, museums, recreational facilities, performance venues and other programs are dependent on UConn first having an adequate budget to provide students with a high quality academic experience," said David Colberg, public information and marketing coordinator of the State Museum of Natural History.
The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History has been on campus since 1985 and in its current location between McMahon Hall and the UConn Co-op since 2000. The university has had a natural history collection since its inception in 1881, according to Colberg.
Because of the current economic situation, UConn administrators are making a comprehensive review at the value of all university programs and services. This is part of an effort to propose a solution to a predicted $35 million budget gap in 2009-2010. The university's two on-campus museums are among the programs under consideration.
"In these very difficult times, we can no longer afford to do all of the things that we have been doing at the level we have been doing them," Hogan said.
Already, the administration has closed six centers, merged four programs into two and eliminated two graduate programs that were thought to be costing the university too much money.
"Every one of these was a difficult decision, made after careful study and discussion," Hogan said. "These are never easy decisions, but we must examine every program and unit this way."
Hogan stressed that the basis for these decisions is not purely financial. The academic, research, social, and cultural benefits of all programs must be considered, as well as the cost to the university.
Still, there is a direct correlation between UConn's budget and the fate of the museums.
"The future endeavors of the university's libraries, museums, recreational facilities, performance venues and other programs are dependent on UConn first having an adequate budget to provide students with a high quality academic experience," said David Colberg, public information and marketing coordinator of the State Museum of Natural History.
The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History has been on campus since 1985 and in its current location between McMahon Hall and the UConn Co-op since 2000. The university has had a natural history collection since its inception in 1881, according to Colberg.
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