Students Demand Transparency Amid Wilkes University Financial Concerns
As Wilkes University faces an $8 million budget shortfall, students have voiced their concerns over potential tuition hikes and program cuts by rallying for transparency from university leaders. On Tuesday, approximately 100 students gathered outside Weckesser Hall, home to the president’s office, expressing their demands.
Junior Johnny Sudol articulated the student body’s stance, stating, “The student body is drawing a line in the sand with how we feel regarding the university leadership and its recent decision making. It’s been a total lack of transparency. We want to see full transparency moving forward. We want to see good faith leadership, servant leadership. We want better student representation in university committees.”
President Greg Cant, who began his tenure in 2020, was absent from the protest. However, a post-event statement from the university described its financial status as “strong” while acknowledging the need to align revenue with expenses due to recent imbalances.
While the university did not address specific inquiries from WVIA News, it emphasized its respect for student expression and the value of their voices. The statement highlighted the importance of dialogue in navigating change, stressing collaborative efforts with student leaders to address concerns directly and engage with the administration.
Overseeing the protest from nearby buildings, school employees and campus security monitored the event closely. Students voiced their discontent about the Title IX coordinator position, particularly the departure of former coordinator Elizabeth Leo, carrying signs with messages like “Cant can’t” and “What would John Wilkes think?”
Adam Butterwick, the student government president, expressed the community’s shared desire for the institution’s success. “We all want Wilkes University to be a successful organization. This is our place of academic study. This is our place of community. For a lot of us, we could probably say we call this home,” he stated. “I don’t believe it matters who sits in the president’s seat. We just care about the future success of Wilkes as a whole.”
Senior Penelope Ziegler, nearing her final semester, attended the protest out of love for the school and concern for its future. “Transparency from a university is really important,” she emphasized. “I’m a resident assistant here, so I have freshmen, and obviously, they still have another 3 1/2 years to go. So I’m advocating for them. I want the institution to be financially strong for them as they’re going through school.”
Junior Ciara Williams expressed her fears about potential tuition increases, which could make the university less accessible. “I already work part-time. I already go to school full time, and I don’t know how I’m going to be able to balance my work-life balance,” she said.
Sarah Hofius Hall
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WVIA News
With over 5,300 students, Wilkes University relies heavily on tuition, room, board, and fees for its revenue. The administration affirmed its commitment to maintaining affordability while delivering quality education to its students.
