By ERIN HOPKINS

Staff Writer

Tech may see a reduction in spending next year if a budget cut becomes reality.

Louisiana colleges and universities are being asked to cut back in spending this year to prepare for the possible budget cut that might occur next year.

Jerry Drewett, the vice president for administrative affairs, said the university has not received anything official but was told about measures being discussed to reduce spending.

"Even though there are adequate funds to get through this year, [administration] will see a big shortfall next year," Drewett said. "We are starting to save money so some of those funds can be used to decrease the budget cut for next year."

Drewett said the university has not been given a specific amount, but it would probably be about $700,000, or about a 1.75 percent budget cut. The university would not be able to purchase items such as science equipment and non-academic books.

Tech President Dr. Dan Reneau said the Board of Regents is going to meet at the end of this month, and the university will know more about the possible budget cut. Even though it is too early to know if the cut will become reality, preparations still can be made if the cut goes through.

Reneau said one of the steps he is taking to prepare for the budget cut regards unoccupied offices.

"I have put a freeze on filling any positions that become vacant in the next five months," Reneau said. "I don't want to get into the position where I will have to dismiss people."

Reneau said the budget cut will also affect the progress of the university -- construction and improvements to the campus will discontinue as well.

"It does affect progress and it does affect the momentum we have going on at the university currently," Reneau said. "It means that we can't do all the things that we are doing now to improve the university."

Reneau said he is going to take steps to protect the university's goals.

"The one thing that Louisiana Tech has been able to do is focus and work together to protect the essential core and quality of the academics at Tech," Reneau said.

Reneau said the possible budget cut is a difficult matter but the university and administration will manage despite the cut.

Pat Dunn, a senior marketing major, said he is grateful that Reneau is working to protect the academic quality of the university but does not agree with the cut.

"Where exactly are the politicians going to follow through with their promise of a better education?" Dunn said. "The politicians need to be more focused on education and less focused on their pocketbooks."

Reneau said the budget cut is still being discussed and the administration does not know yet if the cut will go through but preparing for the cut is important to ensuring the quality of education the students receive.