There is a rising number of concerned students, faculty, staff, and friends of West Virginia University (WVU) to call for the protection of our academic programs and faculty, in light of the University's financial challenges.

In his State of the University Address, President E. Gordon Gee promised to prioritize students and maintain a "students first" approach when making decisions. We appreciate the commitment to this principle and would like to see it upheld in the face of a projected $45 million shortfall.

We urge the WVU administration to explore alternative solutions to mitigate the shortfall without compromising the quality of education and support services provided to students. Protecting academic programs and faculty should be a priority in order to preserve the integrity of our institution and to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, continue to receive a high-quality education at WVU.

By signing this petition, we stand together in the belief that the "students first" promise must guide our university's actions and decisions, even in challenging financial times. We call on President E. Gordon Gee, the WVU administration, and the Board of Governors to make every effort to honor this commitment and to ensure that the University continues to serve as a beacon of educational excellence.