In the beginning, I sat down to try to understand the operating budget for the University. It is a hot button issue right now and I wanted to write a column that is both timely and thoughtful discussing the ins and out of how N.C. State’s money is spent.

That was my first mistake. Trying to understand such a thing is a Herculean feat and left me feeling mentally strained. Hours went by as I attempted to make the information something that my mind could grasp and slowly digest. After the third hour or so, something strange began to happen. I was no longer completely enraged about potential budgetary woes of the University.

This is an incredibly complex issue, but allow me to try to distill it. The state government is likely going to cut money out of the University system budget. N.C. State will likely be cutting programs and faculty. It also means we are likely to see an increase in tuition and student fees.

Before we get gather the pitchforks and light the torches, there is some more information that is pertinent to the discussion. Last year, state funding paid for a little more than 40 percent of the school’s operating budget. Tuition paid for approximately 15 percent.

That means that when the state cuts the University system budget, we are losing money from our primary source of funding. It also means that a considerable cut from state funding is nigh impossible to remedy entirely with a raise in tuition. That leaves cutting programs and faculty.

Now that I understand both the problem and the proposed solution, perhaps I can enter an informed opinion. The entire process by which these potential cuts will be made should be as absolutely transparent to the student body as possible. Beyond that, the students should be involved in the decision-making process.

The students will have to bear the brunt of whatever cuts get passed down and should both want to take part and to be given ample opportunity to be a part of the process. Running a University can be both unpleasant and involved, but it is not too much for students to handle.

There should be observation, even participation, by student officials in every committee and task force meeting where any decisions regarding budget cuts are being made. There should be a cooperative effort between the administrators and the students to ensure that N.C. State remains competitive for graduates entering the job market, students seeking college entrance and quality of education and programs enjoyed while here.

The students who are not involved in Student Government, student associations or Student Media should find their own ways to be involved in this process. They should be writing letters to deans, student politicians, legislators and advocates to find out what they need to do to keep the programs they need, use and enjoy from being put on the chopping block.

In the end, that is going to be what most influences the decisions made that shape our University. The students’ voice should and shall carry the most weight. Tuition may only account for 15 percent of the operating budget, but it’s 15 percent I guarantee they do not want to lose.