Riverland Community College officials are relieved that the longest state government shutdown in recent history has ended but have deep-seated concerns about the four-year trend to cut public education.

Like all Minnesota State College and Universities schools, Riverland began its fiscal year July 1 using tuition revenues and cash reserves to operate through the summer and fall semesters. In other words, despite the government shutdown, Riverland attempted to concentrate on business as usual. Working with reserves was a temporary fix during the shutdown; however, now that it has ended and the ink is drying on the higher education bill, Riverland officials are still speculating on how the shutdown and budget cuts will affect its students and its enrollment.

"Everybody was affected by the shutdown," Dr. Terry Leas, Riverland college president said. "It’s been a concern for students taking summer classes or considering a fall semester start in late August. Although we will not know the full impact the shutdown will have on our 2011-2012 enrollments, we are relieved that Riverland will offer important educational opportunities and training and prepare the skilled workforce our state’s employers need."

Leas also said the college administration struggles with the continued cuts to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Riverland’s financial source for its public funds. The system took another significant reduction in the budget process. The final bill’s 10-percent cut is the fourth straight year of budget cuts.

“This appropriation is lower than the appropriation the system received in 1999 even though statewide, our colleges and universities serve 50,842 more full-year-equivalent students than in 1999,” Leas said.  “Although we work hard to find other funding, these cuts will mean our students and their families will bear a larger share of the costs of higher education.”

Tuition now makes up 57 percent of college and university operating budgets—up from 30 percent in 1999.

“We have bright, talented students who may not be able to shoulder that financial burden year after year,” Leas says. “We tell students that higher education is important to their success and earnings, yet tuition costs for that education keep rising out of necessity. Riverland is the local economic engine that provides the skilled workforce Minnesota businesses need to remain globally competitive. We work to provide educational access to students with all financial backgrounds, yet these trends to cut funding may lead to pricing some students out of the opportunity.”

Riverland actually felt the effects of the shutdown before it started. Some employees were issued layoff notices back in the spring, which were later rescinded. Leas says despite the pressures of layoffs and a reduced workforce, employees maintained their professionalism and focus on enrolling and serving students for the upcoming academic year.

“I have great admiration for Riverland’s employees,” Leas said. “Everyone has remained focused on this situation from beginning to end, never losing sight of what matters most—our students and their success.”

Leas also explained that the Riverland officials have been planning for cuts like those reflected in this year’s budget.

“Planning well doesn’t make it easier,” Leas said. “As educators we know that what we do is important and shapes people’s futures. Our goal is to maintain public access by keeping tuition as low as possible and without undermining our high-quality programs and services.”

Riverland starts its fall semester at all three of its campuses and online on August 22.