Patti Greenbaum, Baker University Student Senate president, sat at a table in the Harter Union lobby Feb. 8 advising and informing students about the elimination of the political science program and other budget cuts the university announced earlier that week.

After she collected more than 250 signatures, she gave them to Susanne Teel, chairman to the Baker University Board of Trustees.

“(Teel) gave it to the trustees at their business meeting (on Feb. 12),” Greenbaum said.

Greenbaum received an e-mail from University President Pat Long, but did not receive any formal response from the BOT.

“I got an email from Dr. Long thanking me again for going through all this,” Greenbaum said. “I really appreciated that. She was really appreciative of it and all the work and the time that we put into it.”

When the BOT was on campus Feb. 12, Greenbaum met with several members to discuss reduction and reallocation.

“I had a nice conversation with a BOT member who said that he appreciated all the work that (we’re) doing, but there isn’t really a lot we can do to stop this from happening at the moment,” she said.

Through all the budget cuts, Greenbaum has said she appreciates the transparency the administration has had.

“They were very understanding of the compassion and the thoughts that the students had,” she said. “That’s what they care about. They want to know what the students are thinking. But it’s one of those situations where there is nothing we can do but show our support.”

Chief Operating Officer Susan Lindahl said she understands the cuts and eliminations have been hard for students, faculty, staff and alumni.

“I think that as the liberal studies program emerges, there will be more options for students,” she said. “I think change is very hard … but it has been beyond a doubt, a very difficult year. What I hear from people is that it’s been difficult, but it’s positioning Baker for the future. I’ve heard a lot of people say that ‘we’ve been around for 150 plus years, will this position us to be around for the next 150?’ If I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t be here.”

Greenbaum said if students have questions or are worried about fulfilling requirements for their major, they need to talk about it.

“They aren’t just casting those students aside,” she said. “They are willing to make the effort if you go to them. They will find a way to help. I think that’s really important for those students who are affected. If they want something to happen they need to take the incentive to go and see the people about making it happen for themselves.”

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