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University of Houston Chancellor Renu Khator told state senators earlier this week that proposed cuts to higher education pose a serious challenge to academic and research goals. She says the university’s priority will be to minimize the impact on its students, but the implications of the proposed $81 million in general revenue cuts — or 16 percent — could be far-ranging.
Khator says about 30 percent of UH students are considered “at-risk,” and three universities within the system are primarily Hispanic-serving. Budget cuts could mean larger class sizes, fewer courses and faculty and staff layoffs. Khator says she understands the state is in a difficult situation.
“I understand that the legislators are in a very tough spot and they have to balance the budget. I want to be part of the solution. And I am confident the legislators will look to it as to what impact it has on the economy, eventually, because the difference between a high school graduate and a college graduate is tremendous over a lifetime. It really has a direct impact on the economy.”
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UH System regents will decide on tuition rates in April or May. A tuition increase is a possibility, as a last resort. Khator meets with House members in Austin tomorrow morning.