Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


5

Strapped Campuses Grumble About Presidents' Mansions

Share

(Newser) – An opulent, rent-free mansion complete with staff is one of the perks of the job for many university presidents but the luxury is beginning to grate on financially strapped campuses, the Boston Globe reports. A chorus of complaints can be heard on campuses hit by layoffs, and universities like Harvard and MIT balked at letting the Globe's reporter gain access to the presidential mansions and estates.

Presidents like Harvard's Drew Faust, who lives in a 12-room colonial mansion dating from 1767, may be reluctant to show off their homes because "there’s an image issue here: presidents living in splendor," said a spokesman from the American Council on Education. The council's latest survey found that 28% of college presidents live in university-owned housing, while another 20% receive a housing allowance. Few people think that the homes should be sold, but some suggest the presidents take a pay cut to help with the cost.

Harvard University President Drew Faust poses on Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Mass.
Harvard University President Drew Faust poses on Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Mass.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Some Harvard employees complain that the university's president is living in luxury while their laid-off colleagues can't even make mortgage payments.
Some Harvard employees complain that the university's president is living in luxury while their laid-off colleagues can't even make mortgage payments.   (AP Photo/Chitose Suzuki, file)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

They’re not really being open about the kind of lifestyle they’re trying to maintain while making these cuts. - Harvard assistant librarian
Desiree Goodwin

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
11.20.09
The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun
5 comments
VIEWING:
 
kokuaguy
Aug 12, 09 9:46 AM CDT
Belt tightening needs to happen on all fronts. A symbolic gesture is often all that is needed to create solidarity and common ground. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+3
littleoopie
Aug 12, 09 11:00 AM CDT
I agree, my mom works at our local private college and hasn't had a pay raise in over 5 years--even thought the college is within the top 100 of the nation, with a tuition to rival any Ivy League school. The president makes a huge paycheck and lives for free in a gigantic Victorian 8 bedroom 'house'. All of the utilities and everything are covered--but even the professors haven't seen a raise in years! Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
IN RESPONSE:
littleoopie
Aug 12, 09 11:01 AM CDT
...even though...;^)
Vote up! Vote down!
0
BlueAyez
Aug 12, 09 12:30 PM CDT
What a great opportunity for Harvard! A house built in 1767 is probably paid off by now. It should be a challenge for the students to make it energy efficient without damaging it's historic value. It should be the focal point of a historical society -- a site on the local historic homes tour. I'm sure the staff is provided by work/study program, but the occupant needs to pay their salaries. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+2
SPH
Aug 12, 09 7:45 PM CDT
What is needed is a 92% tax rate for all income over $500,000, including perks like housing and transportation....That would quickly end this type excess.... Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

9 Stories


 Harvard Probes 
 Poisoning at 
 Med School Lab 

Office coffee caused fainting, dizziness, ringing in the ears

Oct 25, 09 3:47 PM CDT
(Newser) - Harvard Medical School is investigating after six workers in the pathology department were poisoned by coffee prepared near their lab. The researchers and students were treated and released after suffering dizziness, low blood pressure, and other symptoms during the August incident. "As the investigation continues, we are being prudent... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Harvard Medical School • coffee • poison • toxin • pathology • Harvard • Harvard University • poisoning • sodium azide

(Newser) - Harvard University has teamed with a clothing maker to launch its own menswear line—and it's not doing much to dispel preppy stereotypes. The Harvard Yard line, billed as "a contemporary men’s wear collection based on classic Ivy League style," features short-sleeved plaid shirts, patterned jacket, seersucker... More »

MORE ABOUT:
fashion • Ivy League • clothing • Harvard • menswear • Harvard University • Jay-ZTV

(Newser) - African-American Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. was hauled into custody after repeatedly asking a police officer for his badge number, Prof. Charles Ogletree writes in the Root. Gates forced open his front door after arriving home from a foreign trip to find it damaged. When a police officer arrived... More »

MORE ABOUT:
African Americans • racism • disorderly conduct • Harvard • Harvard University • Henry Louis Gates Jr

9 Stories


Photos of the mansions of Massachusetts university presidents
Boston Globe


US 
TwitterFollow @NewserUS on Twitter

 
MIT • Harvard • universities • campus • mansion • Harvard University

from our news partners

CinemaBlend.com