FACULTY/STAFF ALUMNI HEAD URGES ACTION

The president of the Old Dominion University Faculty/Staff Alumni Chapter is urging members of the university community to contact their state representative and senator in Richmond regarding their support of higher education in the upcoming state budget.

In a campuswide e-mail last week, Crissy Jambard, head of the 400-member chapter, said members of the Virginia General Assembly will be deciding in the next several weeks "how - if at all - higher education will be supported," she said. "All of us need to remind our Hampton Roads legislators of the importance of higher ed(ucation) both in the Commonwealth and in this region."

"Of equal importance, we must challenge our elected officials to correct the funding inequity facing Old Dominion University," Jambard said. "We cannot continue to be funded at 77 percent compared to our national peer institutions, especially when the state average is 85 percent. Remarkably, some institutions in the commonwealth still receive over 100-percent funding from the state.

"Faculty and staff from other colleges and universities have made a difference by writing letters and calling elected officials. You need to let them know you're a constituent and that the time has come for them to support Old Dominion University. Our alumni, students and parents are being asked to contact their legislators as well.

"Please don't pass on this opportunity by saying someone else will do it. Legislators represent voters and respond to calls and letters. The more they receive, the better the case we can make. Dr. (Roseann) Runte and Vice President (John R.) Broderick are in Richmond every week fighting on our behalf, but they need legislators to hear from others, like you, who are concerned about Old Dominion. Please take the time to help your university and yourself."