The declining condition of the economy has created hardships throughout almost all aspects of the country, and the state and education is no exception.

Spending on higher education will experience cuts and reductions as the state legislature and governor prepare the fiscal budget.

The state plans on reducing spending on higher educational public institutions by around three percent for the next fiscal year, which amounts to around $1.6 million that has to be slashed from the university’s budget.

President David Eisler said “This creates a double problem for the university when you begin to work on the budget. First, the state is giving you less money, and second, you have all the ongoing costs of a university that go up with inflation every year.”

In her State of the State Address, Gov. Jennifer Granholm proposed a tuition freeze among state institutions to aid the financially struggling students and their families. In return, she said the universities would receive a portion of the funding from the economic stimulus package.

Dr. Donald Roy, associate professor of political science said “There is a serious problem with Granholm’s freeze. For most universities it will only postpone tuition increases, and don’t forget room and board charges, which are at Ferris, the second highest in the state.”

Roy goes on to say that the amount of money that is suppose to be cut from the budget is amounted each fiscal year from parents and student, and one of the major reasons that the university is so opposed to the tuition freeze is because the money that is amassed in profits is needed for the “binge building spree” that is entailed in the university’s Master Plan.

So, the question remains, what will these cuts in federal revenue and budget cuts going to do to the tuition rates at Ferris?

Eisler said, “I think that it’s very likely that tuition will go up some,” but that it’s also too soon to know exactly what tuition is going to look like next year.

In a recent article in the Big Rapids Pioneer, Eisler said that the budget cut and the tuition freeze would result in a much larger tuition increase to students in the future and “the inevitable result is a double digit tuition increase of 10 percent or more. We’ve always kept our tuition increases much lower than that.”

“Ultimately, the trustees set tuition. We’ll bring them a recommendation and they’ll approve tuition at their board meeting on July 8.”

Roy believes that the university could actually make tuition cuts which “are possible once we do a cost efficiency study and terminate activities that have little or no relation to higher education.”

Eisler concluded, “I think the main message here is that we understand the difficult times that are out there in Michigan, we understand the challenging times this is for families, for students and we’re going to limit our cost increases for students and we’re going to do what we can to mitigate tuition.”

The complete state budget, final decision about how much the state government’s budget cuts in higher education will affect the university, and tuition prices for the fall won’t be realized until later in the year.

Ferris was recently sued by Change to Win, an organization seeking the release of documents, including a government contract, between the university and CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company.

Among the records that Change to Win requested were Ferris’s contract with CVS Caremark, marketing materials provided to the university, the bid they submitted in response to the university’s request for proposals for pharmacy benefit management services that led to their award of their current contract, complaints the university and/or the university’s health plan participants made against CVS Caremark, and records that show the university’s health plan participants’ utilization of individual pharmacies.

The university provided a copy of the contract it has with CVS Caremark and related marketing materials, but did retain certain portions under a trade secrets exemption of the Michigan FOIA.

Change to Win says Ferris violated the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) after the university denied the release of key parts of the CVS Caremark contract that dealt with pricing information.

Margaret Kwoka, an attorney with Public Citizen, a nonprofit organization with a history of fighting for government transparency, is representing Change to Win. Public Citizen is representing Change to Win as part of its Public Interest FOIA Clinic, which is designed to give FOIA litigation assistance to other nonprofit organizations seeking government-held information.

In a statement released from the Change to Win, Kwoka says, “Ferris State University is unlawfully withholding information about its contract with CVS Caremark. Under Michigan law, the full contract, including the prices, should have been released to our client.”

Leah Nixon, Assistant Director of News Services with University Advancement & Marketing, said, “[the university] believe[s] that the records requested from Change to Win are exempt from disclosure under the Michigan FOIA and that the University responded appropriately and in good faith to their request.”

Change to Win is currently undertaking an effort to increase the public accountability and transparency of drug middlemen, such as CVS Caremark, to allow for public scrutiny of drug benefits and drug pricing practices.

They released a report titled, “CVS Caremark: An Alarming Prescription” detailing historically questionable and possibly illegal conduct by CVS Caremark and its legacy companies. The report also lists reasons why CVS-Caremark’s 2007 merger should be a cause for alarm for pharmacy benefits managers and health care consumers everywhere. The legal battle continues between both sides.

“The Big Event needs everyone,” said Amber Balmer, student government president, about the BIG Event scheduled April 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Now with 75 houses registered for work orders, the Big Event will need more volunteers than last year. “We’re going to need at least 700 volunteers for the BIG event,” said Claire Gould, student government vice president. “The Big Event is bigger than we expected.” Last year, 200 students raked yards, trimmed hedges, and washed windows for 20 Big Rapids residents. The purpose of the Big Event is for students to thank Big Rapids by assisting residents with house hold chores.

“It’s important for students to remember that there are people living here all year round,” said Balmer.

The event has only 50 volunteers signed up so far. Student government originally anticipated only 50 houses to be registered, however, due to last year’s success, the big event has reached the entire community.

“We wanted to make the Big Event huge this year,” said Balmer. “The event has built relationships with students and community.”

Although job requests were due March 6, residents may still be eligible, however will be determined after the volunteer quota of 700 has been reached.

“We really don’t want to turn anyone away,” said Balmer. “But we need more help.”

Student government members are currently evaluating resident homes.

“We make sure that what they are asking for can to be done and keep a record of their request,” said Gould. “When the students arrive, they know exactly what they will be doing.”

Volunteers are expected to remain with their work groups at all times. Volunteers cannot facilitate gas or electrical assistance.

Volunteer sign-up sheets are due April 6 at 5 p.m. in the student government office. Due to the demand of volunteers, the due date may be extended. Bernie’s Donuts and Red Bull will be provided for volunteers during the five- hour event. Volunteers will also be treated to a BBQ dinner after the event with FSU President David Eisler. Another mandatory meeting will be held April 1 at 7 p.m. in FLITE room 133. Dr. Dan Burcham, interim vice president of academic affairs and student government advisor, thinks the Big Event should become required as part of the Ferris State University curriculum. However plans are not yet concrete.

Students will receive community service hours for participation in the event; however, Balmer hopes people help because they want to give.

“The Big Event is a movement,” said Balmer. “If we get the help we need, it would be Ferris at its best.”

RHA Date Auction
On Wednesday, April 1 from 9 to 11 p.m. in the Rankin Center Dome Room the residence hall association will host a date auction featuring their e-board members. All proceeds will be going to the Jim Crow Museum. This event is open to everyone and the auction will be held “last dollar down” style. For more information contact Allie Dembeck at x0207.

BIG Event Mandatory Volunteer Meeting
On Wednesday, April 1 from 7 to 8 p.m. in FLITE 133 there will be a mandatory meeting for anyone interested in volunteering for the BIG Event community service day. The BIG Event will be held on April 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Group leaders or anyone participating as an individual must attend this meeting. For more information contact Claire Gould at x2611.

Speech Forensics Showcase
On Wednesday, April 1 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Science 126 the Ferris Speech Forensics will present a number of their award-winning speeches from the past season to the campus community. For more information contact Sandy Alspach at x2779.

Entertainment Unlimited Presents Comedian Alexandra McHale
On Thursday, April 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Rankin Center Dome Room comedian Alexandra McHale who has preformed on The Tonight Show and other comedy shows will present at FSU. This event is free to attend. For more information contact Jalena Strayer at x2610.

Noises Off!
On Thursday, April 2 from 8 to 10 p.m. in Williams Auditorium come and enjoy the hilarious presentation of Noises Off. Warning! This play contains adult language and people running around in their underwear. The show will run through Sunday, April 5. Cost to attend is $4 for students and $8 for adults. For more information contact Katherine LaPietra at x2108.

Dance-A-Thon
On Saturday, April 4 from 2 to 8 p.m. in the Rankin Center Centennial Dinning Room teams of four will dance for six hours to 80’s themed music to raise money for Make-A-Wish. The entire campus community is encouraged to participate. Teams of four are $20 to register and $25 at the door with a free pizza included. Cost for spectators is $2. For more information contact Brittnay Gillett at x8536.

“Of Sand and Fire” Exhibit
From Monday, April 6 to Thursday, April 30 the Rankin Center Art Gallery will feature a collection of glass art pieces. The gallery is open weekdays from 11 to 4 p.m.. For more information contact Carrie Weis at x2536.

Stolen items
On March 18 at 9:25 p.m., a person called in on stolen items from a residence hall. The suspect was identified. Investigation continues.

Busted Window in Starr
On March 18 at 1:09 a.m., officers were called to the Starr Building. A rock was thrown through the window. No suspects.

Exit Refusal
On March 18 at 12: 48 a.m., officers responded to assistance at the Gate for a disorderly subject refusing to leave. Upon officer’s arrival, the subject finally left.

Maniac Loose
On March 18 at 3:20 a.m., officers responded to a (BOL) Be on the Lookout for a reckless driver on State Street. Officers conducted a traffic stop for the vehicle. Investigation revealed that the driver was intoxicated. Driver was lodged in the county jail.

Marijuana Complaint
On March 16 at 10: 30 p.m., officers dispatched to Cramer Hall in regards to violation of a controlled substance complaint of marijuana. Investigation revealed a small amount of marijuana and the use of it. Subjects were forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct.

Cell Phone Swiping
On March 6 a subject stated that their cell phone was stolen from the Pharmacy Building. No suspects.

Drunken Wreck
On March 23 at 5:22 p.m., officers dispatched to an accident in front of the FLITE building. Investigation revealed a two car accident. One occupant was arrested for (OWI) Operating While Intoxicated and was lodged in the county jail.

Free Money...Until Caught
On March 18 at 12:23 a.m., officers were called on a complaint that a subject’s ATM card was stolen and used. The incident was forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct and the prosecutor’s office. Suspect was found.

Cyber Threats
On March 25 at 9:35 p.m., officers received a complaint of threats made over the computer. Suspect was identified and referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Smashed Out Window
On March 24 at 12: 58 a.m., there was a (MDOP) Malicious Destruction of Property complaint in Lot 4. Officers found a vehicle with its window smashed out. No suspects.

Laboratory in Lot 61
On March 20 at 5:18 officers dispatched to Lot 61 for an area check. Investigation revealed three subjects attempting to make a chemical device from plastic. Subjects were referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Ticket Totals:
From March 5 through the 26 department of public safety identified 974 violators for the total of $17,540 tickets. Actual amount depends on whether the ticket was paid, voided.

The Ferris community has been informed of the death of a College of Allied Health student. Tonya Gravelle, 45, died of natural causes on Wednesday, March 25. Gravelle was earning a degree in respiratory care at one of Ferris’ off-campus locations. The funeral to honor Gravelle was held in Byron, Mich. last Saturday.

The Ferris flag was lowered to half-staff on Monday in honor of Gravelle. Debby Buck, coordinator of offcampus student support for the College of Allied Health, would like to extend her best wishes and sympathy to the family.

Gravelle is the fourth Ferris student to pass away this semester in as many months.