Support students at University of Vermont fight against budget cuts and massive layoffs. Students part of a coalition called Students Stand UP staged a sit in last night. 34 students were arrested while several hundreds rally outside the president's office. Now is the time to show support to these students and unite in the fight against budget cuts and the corporatization of our education. Send a letter to their university president demanding a stop in budget cuts and massive layoffs. Below are the demands of the Students Stand Up 1. REVOKE all DISMISSALS and non-reappointments thus far issued. 2. TERMINATE all plans for more layoffs and non-reappointments of staff and faculty. 3. Return positions that have been reduced to part-time back to FULL-TIME status. 4. Issue a statement of NEUTRALITY respecting the right of staff and faculty to ORGANIZE. 5. DISCLOSE all budget reconciliation options that were reviewed and considered prior to the decision to initiate layoffs. 6. DISCLOSE all information related to administrative compensation and bonuses. 7. Return ALL administrative BONUSES from FY `08 and FY `09 to the UVM general fund. 8. Return administrative salary pool to the 2002 levels. 9. Pursue all legal options to utilize the university's ENDOWMENT to close the FY `10 operating budget gap. 10. CAP rate of TUITION and room and board fee increase at corresponding year rate of inflation. 11. Establish with us a democratic process by which students, staff, and faculty have a decisive role in decisions regarding the budget. 12. CAP student body population at Fall 2009 levels. 13. REINSTATE the varsity Softball and Baseball teams.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As an informed student and citizen, I am concern about your recent actions against students at your university and the quality of future education at University of Vermont. Your administration decided to put themselves above the education of students by arresting students instead of taking a 20% pay cut in your salary. I put trust in the University of Vermont, one of the most prestigious public universities, to uphold the reputable vision of being an institution of higher learning and community. As a student and concern citizen I would like to see accountability and transparency in all budget cut processes at the University of Vermont. The Administration's approach to reconciling the budget gap has crippled the community with layoffs, will overburden staff and faculty, will make attendance less affordable and will erode the overall quality of an educational experience. Please listen to the voices of students and people all across the country as we support students in your university and together, we say NO to downsizing education at UVM.

Below is the list of demands by students at your university

1. REVOKE all DISMISSALS and non-reappointments thus far issued. 2. TERMINATE all plans for more layoffs and non-reappointments of staff and faculty. 3. Return positions that have been reduced to part-time back to FULL-TIME status. 4. Issue a statement of NEUTRALITY respecting the right of staff and faculty to ORGANIZE. 5. DISCLOSE all budget reconciliation options that were reviewed and considered prior to the decision to initiate layoffs. 6. DISCLOSE all information related to administrative compensation and bonuses. 7. Return ALL administrative BONUSES from FY `08 and FY `09 to the UVM general fund. 8. Return administrative salary pool to the 2002 levels. 9. Pursue all legal options to utilize the university's ENDOWMENT to close the FY `10 operating budget gap. 10. CAP rate of TUITION and room and board fee increase at corresponding year rate of inflation. 11. Establish with us a democratic process by which students, staff, and faculty have a decisive role in decisions regarding the budget. 12. CAP student body population at Fall 2009 levels. 13. REINSTATE the varsity Softball and Baseball teams

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 23, 2009