By John Staed
Wednesday, November 19, 2008

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY — After telling Clemson University workers they would be required to take a five-day furlough to meet state budget cuts, officials Tuesday said they were creating a hardship fund to help employees, especially lower-paid workers.

In a statement, Clemson President Jim Barker said the One Clemson Furlough Relief Fund was created after people asked how they could help. He said anyone could apply for the money raised through the fund, but preference would be given to applicants at the lower end of the pay scale.

Clemson officials said they face nearly $25 million in state budget cuts this fiscal year, following the General Assembly’s decision to cut nearly 15 percent from its appropriation this year. The $25 million is the total of cuts through the year, Clemson officials have said.

The school receives about 25 percent of its budget from state revenues. State revenues have fallen more than $500 million short of estimates, forcing across-the-board cuts in state government agencies.

The furlough would save about $5 million, according to earlier estimates.

Matt Watkins, assistant director of annual giving at Clemson, said it is too soon to know how many of the 4,000 full-time Clemson employees could be helped.

Applications for the financial aid will be accepted through Dec. 15, and the university hopes to disburse the money before Jan. 1, he said.

“Our effort going in is to help as many people as we possibly can,” Watkins said.

Barker made the first contribution to the fund, but Watkins said he did not know how much that was.

“We have some employees who we know were struggling … before the furlough,” Barker said. The fund “was suggested by a large number of people.”

Three Clemson retirees will oversee the fund. Money for the One Clemson Relief Fund can be sent to the Clemson University Foundation, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633. Money also can be contributed through the Web site, Watkins said.

“We are setting this up and hoping the Clemson family would support this, as we think they will,” Watkins said.