A Post editorial three weeks ago, while not completely wrong, was based upon a misinterpretation. The editorial argued that President Roderick McDavis was sending mixed signals about remaking Ohio University into a prominent research university.
The editorial cited a 3.87 percent reduction in the central allocation of graduate student waiver money in the 2007-2008 budget recently approved by the Board of Trustees. While that funding was indeed cut, it was not a complete picture of the overall funding for graduate education.
What the editorial failed to mention was that money was moved or reallocated to a different budget category. Next year, funding for the graduate education research board will increase by $500,000. Meanwhile, graduate stipends will increase by $370,404.
In total, graduate student funding will actually increase by $320,404, while graduate student fees remain the same.
This is a positive development. Especially considering the budget deficit, praise should be given to Vice President of Finance and Administration William Decatur for finding a way to increase graduate student funding.
The increase, albeit small, is a sign that McDavis is still committed to increasing research at this university.
Research is predominately conducted by faculty and graduate level students. Increasing graduate student funding will help with increasing research, a goal McDavis outlined in his inaugural address.
But while the university is making positive strides, not all problems are solved. Faculty is being pushed to increase research output while continuing to teach undergraduate classes.
Striking the proper balance between undergraduate education and research is an effort that should be spearheaded by the McDavis administration.
In the meantime, however The Post tips its proverbial hat to the McDavis administration for upping the graduate funding and sincerely apologizes for any confusion resulting from the previous editorial.
' Sean M. Gaffney is the Editor In Chief of The Summer Post. He can be reached at sg245204@ohiou.edu or 740-593-9867
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