Amanda McElfresh

amcelfresh@theadvertiser.com

Louisiana’s higher education system already is “running on fumes,” and any further cuts could have long-term repercussions, according to the University of Louisiana System.

The UL System posted a message Friday morning on its Facebook page in response to Thursday’s announcement that TOPS scholarship funding was being halted. Late Friday morning, state officials announced they would resume TOPS payments to 80 percent of eligible students.

“It’s unfortunate timing that after almost a decade of cuts, the state finds itself in a fiscal crisis that once again places higher education in the guillotine,” read the Facebook message. “And the bad news continues to pour in with TOPS funding being halted – a blow to our universities and an alarming headline for our students – and a harsh warning from SACSCOC – the regional accreditation body for our public universities.”

In a statement, Joseph Savoie, president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, said the school is working to mitigate the impact of a potential TOPS funding reduction.

“The university will fulfill the state’s commitment to students for TOPS funding for the 2015-2016 academic year, including the Spring 2016 semester,” Savoie said. “Our students should continue to focus on their classes. We also encourage TOPS supporters to have conversations with state legislators about the future of higher education in Louisiana.”

Savoie added that UL officials are working with state legislators to develop short- and long-term solutions for TOPS stability.

“We are hopeful that the upcoming legislative sessions will yield outcomes that support students and this important program,” Savoie said.

The Facebook message from the UL System went on say that if the system must implement the proposed $38 million in cuts – or possible more – it would have serious consequences.

“These cuts would likely go way beyond cancelled classes, delayed graduations and layoffs,” the message read. “Louisiana’s higher education system is operating as efficiently as possible – our institutions are running on fumes. We will continue to work closely with the governor and legislators to ensure the best outcome for our campuses. Even in the midst of difficult times our main concern is our students. We want to ensure our graduates earn the quality education they deserve and become productive contributors to Louisiana or beyond.”

The UL System includes Grambling State, Louisiana Tech, McNeese State, Nicholls State, Northwestern State, Southeastern, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the University of Louisiana at Monroe and the University of New Orleans.