Letter of the Day: University mismangement

From the Star-Tribune:

(emphasis mine)

From excessive administrative staffing to golden parachutes to pay freezes for the U's base employees, the administration at the U remains in disarray.

Less than a year ago, as a member of the Minnesota Daily Editorial Board, I and other board members reported extensively on the issue of tuition and administrative bloat at the University of Minnesota.

It is curious to think that a Washington Post commentary ("Let's shove back at higher ed," Jan. 3) was needed to start a conversation that has existed in the school newspaper for many years now.

University President Eric Kaler's response to criticism of the fiscal largess has been a mirror image of that of his predecessor, Bob Bruininks. From excessive administrative staffing to golden parachutes to pay freezes for the U's base employees, the administration at the U remains in disarray.

Kaler's response ("The state pulls back, but the U marches on," Jan. 6) represents the same old song and dance. His "run the U like a business" approach and his political dodging of tough questions demonstrates that both students and taxpayers alike are not receiving the proper return on investment.

With more than 70 percent of Minnesota students needing student loans to finish school and an average of more than $26,000 of debt upon graduation, Kaler and the Legislature need to cut the platitudes and find real answers.

CHRIS NERLIEN, ST. PAUL

The time for singing and dancing is over. It should have been over a long time ago...