The shadows of the recession and bad economy have finally reached Texas A&M, as the University will realign divisions by focusing on repairs to older buildings and laying off 66 current employees.

Although these layoffs individually affect workers and families, we must look at what is best for the University as a whole. However, Texas A&M has taken care of those negatively affected — offering two months pay, an additional month of benefits coverage, job placement and counseling services for those laidoff. Laidoff employees are encouraged to reapply for positions that will emerge in the restructuring process.

Texas A&M should strive to remain one of the leading universities, and in order to make that happen the system must keep our campus and building as updated as possible. The Zachary building and even the legendary Kyle Field are in desperate need of refurbishing.
It was the right decision for the University to streamline its Division of Operations in order to make it possible to focus on the restoration of buildings by outsourcing the building of new structures.

Instead of putting most of the attention on new buildings, we shouldn’t forget about the beautiful buildings we already have on campus that need to be better maintained. As more buildings are added by the construction on campus, more attention needs to be paid to the upkeep.