The Virginia Informer

Last Updated:1/22/10 Section: Features

The major distinguishing factor behind budget size is the difference between programs and departments. Departments are the tenure homes for faculty whereas programs, such as Women's Studies, have jointly-appointed faculty who teach in them.

According to Women's Studies program chair, Christy Burns, "the logic is that these faculty are more secure based in departments. We have sometimes wished that we could hire tenure-track faculty fully in Women's Studies, but the College policy is consistent across Arts and Sciences." Budgets for programs appear smaller because they do not include the salaries of tenured professors.
Also, these budgetary numbers do not reflect the role of grants.

The Environmental Science and Policy program has received a large series of grants from the Andrew W Mellon foundation.

These grants have helped keep the program afloat, as the Commonwealth has underfunded it.
Basic Maintenance and Operation budgets in many departments and programs have not grown at the rate of inflation.

This has posed a serious budgetary problem. It has led to faculty not being replaced when they retire, the cancellation of some adjunct positions, and too little funding for student-based research and general equipment. Adjuncts are professors who are paid per course and receive no benefits such as health care or retirement.

Programs and departments are currently seeking to expand donation pools and solicit funds from alternative sources.

Some department and programs have joined forces and even worked with student groups to generate publicity and funds. Professor Burns explained, "Women's Studies likes to co-sponsor talks and events with other departments/programs and also to help students when they are bringing events/speakers to campus. Private funds help us do more, when we have them."

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