Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Pres. Pat BY BOB BAKER Editor-in-Chief GAMECOCK: The '75-'76 proposed budget marks USC with a $3.2 million reduction from what the state legislature recom mended. How will USC sustain this budget cut? PATTERSON: Well, let me first say that I'm quite disappointed that we were unable to work something out with the General Assembly. The cut itself means we will have a cut in customdiat services. But you have to remember that the cut is not so much a money thing as it has to do more with inflation. Last year we received $41.6 million in state governfment funds. This year we're getting $43.5 million. Now, that's more money than last year. In addition, funds will be allocated to the University to cover a 4.2 per cent pay increase for state em ployes. You'll have to remember that utilities make up a large proportion of the increase. In fact it will cost us approximately $1.2 million for just the heating and air conditioning of the new central library. GAMECOCK: Do you feel a tuition increase is urgently needed? PATTERSON: With the projected tuition increase ($800,000) I believe a reasonable budget can be arrived at. Without the tuition increase, the University would have to maintain substantial cuts in faculty travel, custodial services--remember we're not letting anyone go-and in supplies and equipment. Also, our faculty's salary levels must stay in line by receiving state increases and rewards for merit. GAMEOCCK: Will any academic programs be affected by this cut? PATTERSON: You can be assured that no academic programs, as far as the actual learning situation is concerned, will be cut. GAMECOCK: Is there any truth to the rumor that programs within student affairs will be cut back? PATTERSON: No. We will have what we had last year. And I believe that Mr.Campbell and dean for student affairs beginning July 10 will have an ample amount of funds for student affairs. I do not know of any reductions in student affairs at this time. GAMECOCK: Three years ago the University announced it would limit freshman enrollment. Because of the formula which regulates the University's monies according to total fall enrollment would you anticipate making a wide open admission policy for USC? PATTERSON: The freshman enrollment limit was set at 2,500 and that limit was never reached. In fact, this past fall we just had a little over 2,300 students. Con sidering the current state of af fairs, I think if 2,900 freshmen applied and were acceptable, we'd go ahead and take them. GAMECOCK: What do you consider your most major ac complishment in your first year as USC's president? PATTERSON: I think as a whole the University has achieved a somewhat better relationship with the community east of us. I consider that a major ac terson Intb doing, but rather a University-wide achievement, I consider the creation of three new graduate schools a much greater ac complishment. GAMECOCK: What kinds of plans do you have for Carolina for say the next 10 years? PATTERSON: First, I'd like to see that the higher education formula funding be based on a cost of living index in which inflation and growth is recognized. Enrollment should stabilize itself at 20,000 and I think we should aim to improve the quality of this in stitution while maintaining a student body of the same size. You have to remember that by being a state institution we must have a program broad enough to meet the needs of our state. I think the center of our efforts for the next few years should be to upgrade existing buildings especially residence halls. GAMECOCK: Are you in favor of having USC become a nationally known institution for academic learning? PATTERSON: I think the University should serve the best interest of the state first and then from its statewide prominence it should move towards earning national and international status. I personally cannot see setting outlandish admission policies for schools and colleges which were originally designed to serve the best interests of the state. You'll have to remember that we're not so far away now from national prominence. That prominence is often determined by the number of Ph.D.'s which an institution confers. In the past year USC has given more than a hundred Ph. D.'s. GAMECOCK: You have been associated with the University for a great portion of your life. What makes a man such as yourself be dedicated to such an institution as this? PATTERSON: Well, I must say I consider it quite a challenge to be where I am today. I am amazed at where we've come from. In 1950 our state government approrpiated $1.6 million. In 1975 it's $43.5 million. In 1950 we had 4800 students. Today on the Columbia campus we have more than 20,000. In that same time frame we have come from the issuance of one Ph.D. to 100.1I consider it a very gratifying experience to have been here during this period of un precedented growth. GAMECOCK: Dr. Patterson, beside the fact that you see the University as a challenge; just what is it that attracts you to this institution? PATTERSON: Why I imagine you want me to say that I have a deep concern for young people. Well, to tell you the truth I haven't really got much interest in young people. I think it's an opportunity to see that the best services are provided for the young people of this state. That's what I consider my relationship with young people, rather than one of companionship. Some administrators that are here say that being around young people makes them feel young. I have to say they make me feel rather old. GAMECOCK: What kind of a person would you like to see suc eed you when it's time to sep Erviewed down? PATTERSON: I foresee a relatively young man--35 to 45 who doesn't necessarily need an academic background. He should have some experience in either business or politics, perhaps the experience of a governor or legislator. You have to recognize our political needs because we are funded heavily by the state government. I should hope that my successor would be recommended to hold a five to seven year term, but I don't think it should be too long. GAMECOCK: Whatever hap pened to the position of vice president for University relations which Paul Dietzel was offered and accepted? PATTERSON: As far as I know the position still exists. There is a definite need for a lot more coordination between USC and the public at large, including the alumni. I think there is i definite need to combine alumni relations and University development into one position which would repoit to the University president. GAMECOCK: Are you in favor of closing Green Street? PATTERSON: I think if most people would realize it, the closing of Green Street would be more a handicap to us than anything else. To the GAA To USC stu( "I'm personally not re apathy at all." For it is mostly the University public which utilizes the street. I do think some kind of method for crossing the street needs to be introduced. Even a walkway similar to the pedestrian bridge over Pickens would be more feasible than what we have now. I might add that the University is anxious to close College Street between Capstone and Pickens Street and also Henderson Street between Green and Pendleton streets. GAMECOCK: Would you be in iECOCKS: Best se lents: Best service We're onl and offe clean From 7 a.m. till: we'll g jo CLEANERS & LAUNDRY LEON A. COOPER 1908 BLOSSOM rAT FIVE POINTS ASK ABOUT OUR CHARGz mIky concerned about -President Patterson favor of having a student on the Board of Trustees? PATTERSON: I'd only be in favor of a student on the Board if the faculty would have the same privilege. GAMECOCK: Are you worried about a sense of apathy within the student body at this University? PATTERSON: I'm personally not really concerned about apathy at all. It's up to the student to get involved. It's enough for each of us to just sit down and decide what Is the best for ourselves. ason ever! ever! 4 blocks away r you quality dry ing and laundry. ive you a quality b in just 2 hours! Come see us! E PLAN.