The Department of Residence made its second major cut this year by eliminating Academic Resource Coordinators for the 2005-2006 academic year.

The move will save the department $198,000, leaving $402,000 yet to be cut to balance the budget. The department previously decided to close Wallace and Wilson Halls for the next academic year for a savings of $2.1 million.

ARCs work with Community Advisers in providing programs for residence hall floors, helping freshman adjust to Iowa State and providing academic support for all students.

“We meet with students and we are concerned with how things are going with them academically,” said Kathryn Wagner, junior in mechanical engineering and a current ARC in Friley Hall. “We provide them with academic support and offer resource centers and other educational opportunities.”

The ARC position is a part of the Fresh Start program, and ARCs are intended to help Fresh Start students make a successful academic transition to Iowa State.

Currently, there are 29 ARCs.

Current ARCs who are interested in becoming a CA or working for ISU Dining or in Peer Monitoring positions for the 2005-2006 academic year will receive priority before new hires.

“Budget cuts are hard on everybody, and this is an effective place to save some money for the university,” said Ross Kelderman, president of the Union Drive Association. “This will have a good impact on students and the money the university is saving.”

The Department of Residence is considering changes to the Fresh Start residence program, which encourages new students to get involved in co-curricular activities. The UDA is urging administrators to take a fresh look at Fresh Start to encourage more upperclassmen to continue living in Fresh Start communities.

“Making changes to the Fresh Start program will not affect the budget since it does not cost the university any money,” Kelderman said. “Changes are not final, and administrators are still in the process of meeting with students to evaluate the situation.”

Before making the budget cuts, the Department of Residence was faced with a $2.7 million shortfall due to a drop in enrollment and the number of students living on campus.