Funding challenges for European universities

Elizabeth Redden referenced the European University Association's (EUA) Public Funding Observatory report documenting decline in higher education funding in most EU countries. The only countries where funding increased at a rate beyond that required to serve growing numbers of students are Norway and Sweden. Potential areas of impact include funding cuts for staff and capital/infrastructure investment, higher fees for non-EU students, pursuit of alternative funding, and increased efficiency.

Student affairs/services programs can be vulnerable when institutions are pushed to reduce costs or increase efficiency. The claim is often that, in difficult budget times, funding should be preserved for the core function of teaching. What is not recognized when student affairs/services are targeted is that retention and persistence to graduation is often influenced as much by what happens outside of class as what occurs in class. Reduction in student affairs/services my erode student success and thereby further reduce revenues coming from student fees.