USC-U’s benefits outweigh its costs
14 months ago | 1158 views | 3 
| 8 
| 
| 
| 8 | |
Governor Sanford, stop picking on our university!
In his $5.8 billion budget plan for 2009-2010 Sanford proposed closing the University of South Carolina’s two-year branches in Allendale, Lancaster and Union counties, saying students at those schools could attend two- or four-year college located within a 30-mile drive.
Sanford’s previous attempts to close USC branches have failed, as this one probably will.
State Rep. Mike Anthony said he and other members of Union County’s legislative will work together to gain support in the rest of the General Assembly to keep USC-Union open.
“That’s the good thing about having three senators as part of our delegation,” he said. “Even if enough support were to be gained in the House for closing USC-Union — and I don’t think that’s likely — having three of 46 senators on our side gives us a leg up in keeping USC-Union.”
Budget cuts have reduced USC-Union’s state allocation from $1.5 million to around $700,000. Compared to Sanford’s $5.8 billion budget proposal, $700,000 is a mere pittance.
USC-Union’s benefits to the community outweigh its costs. People who might otherwise not continue their education after high school can do so right in their own backyard, earning an associate’s degree or even work toward a four-year degree. With the LIFE Scholarship, high school graduates can attend USC-Union for free, if they maintain their grades.
The governor’s budget proposal contains some good intentions, such as restoring $137 million taken from Medicaid programs for the state’s poor, disabled and elderly used to balance this year’s budget.
Sanford’s proposal to close USC-Union shows his willingness to make tough choices in difficult times. But the long-term effects would do far more harm than good.
Express yourself:
We're glad to give you a forum to air your point of view on issues important to this community. We just ask that you keep things civil. Leave out the personal attacks. Do not use offensive language, ethnic or racial slurs, or assail anyone's personal or religious beliefs. For anyone who can't be civil, we reserve the right to remove your material. We also reserve the right to ban users who violate our visitor's agreement.
WEATHER
Sponsored By:
STOCK TICKER
Sponsored By:
featured businesses
700 W. Main St., Union, SC 29379 phone: 864 427-1535
Happy Easter --- Eggs, Baskets, Bunnies & Bows
Silk Flowers, Easter Soaps & Bath, Greeting Cards, Spring delights from our gourmet counter,
Hand-painted wooden eggs, personalized just for you,
...
409 Union Blvd., Union, SC 29379 phone: 864-427-7014
Locally owned lawn and garden shop offers various equipment to keep your lawn nicely landscaped. Offers Eton, Grasshopper, Gravely, Husqvarna, Stihl brands. We do repairs.
What benefits? If students want a real education, USC Union is not worth attending, even for free. A LIFE Scholarship recipient deserves much better than USC Union is willing to ever provide.
USC Upstate is a school about progress that lives in today's world. It's a good example of the USC extended network of universities working properly. USC Union is a fine example of throwing money away. The "campus" is a joke, which fits the circus act environment.
Seriously, post some pictures of the USC Union "campus," I dare you. Let's also get some video footage of the USC Union classes in action. I will even volunteer my services to film it.
Ask Rep. Anthony if the majority of the enrollment "numbers" at USC Union are actual college students, or if the benefits outweight the negatives for the STATE! Remember, we are not the only people in the state, there are other counties outside of Union, i believe that alot of folks in this county forget that. I would like to believe that closing the campus would perhaps put more money in other venues, such as creating jobs for our dried up city.
Dr. Rowland at USCU will tell you that the numbers are a sign the college should stay open, however, the population in our county is dropping, and students are not driving to the county to attend USCU like he would have you believe.
The campus is no longer viable, there are much more important needs in our state and in our county. the residents of Union County have a selection of 6 higher education centers surrounding the county.
Union County's "only" option is not USCU. In fact, Union County students would SAVE MONEY IF THEY WENT TO SPARTANBURG COMMUNITY COLLEGE, granted, they have to have the life scholarship.
If we are going to continue to support a branch that has little to no positive impact on our state IN THE BIGGER PICTURE, we should close it down. if not, we should open up a private USC branch in every county, I mean if Union has a college for its tiny population, then so should Anderson, Charleston, Greenville, Cheraw, Pickens, etc, etc. Catch my drift?
the old saying goes: "the needs of many outweigh the needs of one." USC Union served its purpose and it has had a very positive impact in the past, but its time has passed, times have changed, and unfortunately, so has the states economic situation.
The money that goes towards USCU and USCU @ Laurens could support much more needful programs in our precious county.