Welty promotes props 55, 57, during KFSR radio program

Univ. President says voting for measures is of high importance

By Irene Thirlwall

University President John Welty said Sunday that the university may face utter disaster if Proposition 57 doesn’t pass March 2, during an interview on KFSR FM 90.7.

Welty was interviewed as part of a weekly radio magazine program called “Campus and Community.”

“ As of yesterday our board went on record to support bond measure 57,”Welty said.

Welty also showed support for Proposition 55, coming to the interview wearing a pin on his jacket lapel supporting the proposition.

He said if the proposition passes, $90 million will go to a new library for Fresno State.

Welty said a larger facility is needed to serve a larger number of students. The library was originally designed to serve 13,000 students and today serves 22,000, he said.

Welty said getting out there and voting for the propositions was of extreme importance. He said there was some thought in waiting until Nov. 2004, but that it was necessary for the growing student population.

“ As a campus we have been over the last two years making reductions, and we’ve reached the point where it is very hard to reduce an additional amount without sacrificing quality,” Welty said.

Welty said that despite the governor’s plan to cut some of the outreach and EOP programs, the plan is not to eliminate these programsentirely. He said they may be proportionately reduced along with other programs.

“ The graduation rate of students from these programs are the highest in the system and they are more likely to graduate than students in other areas,” Welty said.

Welty said other programs are being evaluated and reduced such as the industrial engineering program. The program has had such a small enrollment it has been hard to keep sufficient faculty. Welty said it might be merged with another department.

Welty also addressed the addition of the new Science II building and the fact it will allow more space for labs and faculty, and will allow the San Ramon buildings to be removed.