The article critiques University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham’s proposed budget for 2026, highlighting significant tuition increases for both in-state and out-of-state students, alongside reduced instructional choices. The author argues that the budget reallocates 7% from college budgets to administrative costs, suggesting it serves primarily to inflate salaries for university administrators, undermining the university’s educational mission.
Cunningham justifies these changes as necessary to stabilize the university amid uncertain federal funding and higher education challenges, yet the author views this as disingenuous, likening her rationale to “Trumpthink” and noting a lack of consultation with faculty or adherence to shared governance policies. Instead of prioritizing student needs, the budget seems to reinforce administrative power and privilege.
Keya Ganguly, a professor, emphasizes the disconnection between administration decisions and student welfare, warning against complacency and the growing influence of an administrative oligarchy. The article underscores a shift in priorities from education to external agendas, signaling concern for the university’s future direction.
