Dear Oregon Legislators,

We recognize the pull from all directions on legislators, especially those who are underpaid in a cash-strapped state. We also recognize the recent increase in higher education funding and the earnest desire for legislators to facilitate a robust system of higher education in the state. However, there are some structural issues beyond low state investment.

With minimal oversight of university budgets and spending priorities, the University of Oregon is making the strategic decision to lower the real amount of money per student coming from state appropriations and tuition going to their education. This comes in the wake of a historic disruption in learning attainment due to the pandemic. While state appropriations and tuition have both risen faster than inflation, the percentage of the budget going to the faculty: professors, instructors, researchers and librarians, has fallen. Meanwhile, executive administrator salaries have risen, as have the ranks of administrators. Is this how Oregon should be spending its limited resources?

Faculty do want to see further investment in higher education. We recognize that we are the University of Oregon, here to educate and serve the people of the state, and we do need state investment to make that happen. 

However, we also need real oversight. A system which guarantees that the administration and the Board of Trustees put the mission of the university first. A system where trustees serve because of their previous commitment to the state, not because of how much money they have and may donate. A system where the legislature ensures that administrators do not use state funds to line their own pockets, but rather ensure they go to those who actually educate students, those who produce new knowledge and all those who work to fulfill the mission of the university.