There are undoubtedly a few selling points the University of Northern Iowa stresses and uses to its advantage when attracting new students to the institution. I was smitten with a handful of them myself when deciding between schools. However, with these looming budget cuts, what will happen to these gold stars for UNI?

One of these kudos is that UNI is the “right fit.” UNI has a enrollment of about 13,000, much more than a private college but not nearly as much as the other two state schools.

UNI’s magical 16:1 faculty to student ratio also gets sprinkled into the discussion, fostering a close connection between students and teachers.

Is this still obtainable without money? In the 2010 fiscal year, according to President Allen’s budget notes, an $8.8 million cut needs to be made.

These cuts, and a possible $100 tuition surcharge, are hitting students directly and are a tangible problem.

I have talked to a few teachers around campus who feel it is inevitable that class sizes will grow. Even classes on the smaller side, such as the university’s literature classes, are included in the growing discussion, with suggestions that they become 200-student lectures, though they are clearly classes that warrant discussion.

This leads to the real question at hand: what is the focus of the Liberal Arts Core?

In general theory, the LAC is simply an array of courses to instill a set of abilities and philosophies in students. Writing, speaking, research, appreciation and analysis skills are all ribboned throughout the 45-credit course list. This set of requirements makes up more than one-third of the standard 120 credits in a bachelors degree.

Are these many credits, dollars and minutes being best spent on the LAC in its current form? I’d venture to say no.

As a member of a writing-enhanced Introduction to Literature class, I am currently reaping the benefits of killing “two birds with one stone” by meeting my writing requirement while expanding my knowledge of literature in a cultural and world-view. I’m saving financially and chronologically with this opportunity.

More classes could be taught and presented in such a manner. Some courses already enhance and stress multiple skills without being formally recognized by the university. Some Humanities classes use presentations and weekly papers to cover material. When this institution is in such a pickle in regards to maintaining high educational standards with lower financial means, new and creative approaches should be tested and pursued.

A consolidation of the LAC will reap benefits in many ways.

Less LAC classes means decreased spending, lower tuition and a decline in overall burnout with students.

By directing the focus of our LAC and getting to the heart of its purpose, UNI can educate more like a sniper rifle than the shotgun mentality it has now. The important goals can be scoped, instead of a birdshot of classes being taken in hopes to meet a purpose. With a steady hand, UNI will shoot a bullseye, instead of killing off programs, money and time haphazardly. Ready. Aim. Fire.