Oregon Colleges get easy test: Spend more cash

Added money for repairs and raises for faculty are applauded, but campus leaders say "we’re still behind" on pay

Flush with a $142 million two-year boost in state funding and a $151 million increase for construction, Oregon’s public universities are gearing up this fall to raise faculty salaries, improve student support and repair and expand campus buildings.

Legislators this year gave the university system a record amount of money, thanks to the state’s economic recovery. Educators say it’s the first step toward filling gaps at the state’s seven universities, but Oregon still has a long way to go to catch up to other states.

"It puts us on the right track, and it gives the campus hope that higher education may become more of a priority in this state," said Lindsay Desrochers, Portland State University’s vice president for finance and administration.

SUZANNE PARDINGTON
The Oregonian Staff

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