Wright State University | Photo by Grace Ramsdell | Edited by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian
As Wright State University (WSU) faces budget cuts and workforce reductions, President-Elect Biden poses new education plans that would help fund universities and help the student debt crisis.
WSU and Ohio
Last week WSU administration announced budget cuts and workforce reductions due to the low enrollment rates impacted by the coronavirus. As a public state university, WSU receives funding from the state based on enrollment and retention numbers, which are at an all-time low.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine recently signed a new coronavirus relief bill that provides funding for small businesses, hospitals and education.
According to a Gov. Dewine's press release, “It also includes $100 million in CARES Act funding for higher education. This funding will support critical COVID-19-related services provided at Ohio’s universities and colleges.”
Biden’s plan
President-Elect Joe Biden ran a campaign focused on education reform and funding. At the beginning of his term, he plans on implementing reforms with advice from education experts, and future First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who is an educator.
According to Biden’s campaign website, he will “Invest in community colleges, strengthen college as a reliable pathway to the middle class and support colleges and universities that play unique and vital roles in their communities.”
A popular idea that was introduced in the house was to get Biden to forgive student loan debt via executive action. His campaign is still pondering the idea and has not said what his exact actions on the matter will be.
Student loan forgiveness is popular among college students, college graduates and universities.
When speaking about student loans, Alyssa Laake, an elementary education major said “there was a point where I thought maybe I should just quit school, pay off my loans.”
Many students feel this way, causing retention rates to drop and causing public university funding to drop, endangering schools like WSU. Leading many to be hopeful for President-Elect Biden to start his term.
