There’s an interesting article, titled MU, Three Years After the Pandemic by Gabrielle Sangataldo, in the Monmouth University student-run newspaper, The Outlook, this week. The article highlights the financial challenges Monmouth University faced during the pandemic and examines the compensation trends among its top administrators. It provides insights into various aspects of the university’s finances, using data from ProPublica and other sources.

During the pandemic, the university took several measures to address financial strains, including pay cuts for senior administrators, such as President Patrick Leahy. However, data from the university’s 990 filings revealed significant increases in executive and administrative compensation, raising questions among faculty and students.

The article discusses the impact of tuition increases on student debt and the potential connection between administrative compensation and rising tuition costs. The data shows that the number of full-time faculty members has decreased, while reliance on part-time and non-tenure track faculty has increased, affecting academic consistency and faculty morale.

Enrollment at Monmouth University has also seen a decline, putting pressure on the institution’s finances as it heavily relies on student tuition. Despite these financial challenges, the university announced a $45 million fundraising campaign for the expansion of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music (BSACAM), which has raised questions about the university’s priorities.

Overall, the article paints a complex financial picture of Monmouth University that is worth reading, with ongoing debates about compensation trends, enrollment, and fundraising priorities. It highlights the challenges and concerns within the university community and the need for transparent and balanced financial decisions.