Statement of University of Massachusetts Student Trustees:

On behalf of the 72,000 students of the University of Massachusetts system, we respectfully urge Governor Patrick and the House and Senate to reaffirm their investment in the students of UMass as they craft a new state budget. By providing a second year of 50-50 funding, Governor Patrick and the Legislature will establish the state as a national leader in the effort to preserve public higher education excellence and advancing the cause of student affordability.

As the elected representatives of the students of the UMass system, we can attest to the significant impact this year’s funding increase has had on all five campuses. Students and their families have been spared the pressure of what for many years was an annual tuition-and-fee increase. Academic programs have not had to endure the cuts that might otherwise accompany a student-charges freeze, and students, faculty and staff have felt the uplifting effects of this significant vote of confidence.

Providing a second year of 50-50 funding would ease the financial burden on students and their families at a time when affordability and student-debt remain significant issues in the nation and in our state. With double-digit unemployment prospects for the typical college-aged youth, continued state investment in university education is critical now more than ever.

This action would have the effect of increasing state funding for the five campuses of the UMass system by $100 million over two fiscal years, which would be a landmark accomplishment and allow the University of Massachusetts to continue to provide high-quality academic programs and unrivalled opportunity to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

While recognizing the many needs and challenges that the state faces, we ask the leaders of state government to complete this two-year process. We note that the current state budget expresses a desire to provide a second year of 50-50 funding and this statement of intent was a sign of encouragement to the 72,000 students of the UMass System and was received with great appreciation.

We urge the Governor and the Legislature to complete this process and to thereby provide the funding that would constitute a visionary investment in the students of today and tomorrow and an enduring investment in the Commonwealth and its future. We hope that the legislative and executive leadership will continue to stand with the students of the University of Massachusetts and for the citizens of the Commonwealth to safeguard educational opportunity, quality and affordability.

Megan Kingston, UMass Amherst

Nolan O’Brien, UMass Boston

Colin Murphy, UMass Dartmouth

Phillip J. Geoffroy, UMass Lowell

Patrick Lowe, UMass Medical School