The 16 initial cuts proposed Tuesday by President Pete Likins and Provost George Davis illustrate that the university is moving in the right direction with its Focused Excellence plan, both in its targets and in its approach.

And to make sure the plan is carried out properly it is important for individuals to be involved in the debate and dialogue surrounding excellence.

Our leaders seem to be embracing open government and are allowing for students, faculty and staff to be involved .. -

Our leaders seem to be embracing open government and are allowing for student, faculty and staff to be involved and active participants as excellence evolves.

For the last decade, the three Arizona universities have complained about continually losing in fist-fighting matches with the state legislature over funds that they claim would have made a vast difference in the classroom.

After months of research, discussion and long hours over winter break, Likins and Davis have offered a tool to help the university slim down and refocus its commitment not only to the people of Arizona, but to its efficient use of tax payer and private funding.

The task of restructuring the university is being approached in the correct manner, by way of a transparent government and community participation. It is evident that the president and provost did their homework by speaking with all the deans and establishing committees to objectively investigate many departments and colleges. Two campus town hall meetings occurred last semester to create a forum for local discussion. Sitting on plastic chairs alone on the stage, both Likins and Davis presented themselves as individuals who can be spoken to and approached directly.

Likins and Davis have guts and are offering strategic approaches to dealing with UA's budget woes., not just complaining to

lawmakers. Our leaders are in the position to take the university by the horns and lead it toward a future that will be substantially and financially better off.

Jobs will be lost. But in the long run, we can have faith that our university will be in a healthier position to serve Arizona.

The president's and provost's office have also thrown themselves into the budget-cutting machine, decreasing their budgets by 10 and6.6 percent, respectively.

At this point, the proposed changes have not been made permanent. From Tuesday until this June, the administration says it will be working to make sure that all comments have been appropriately taken into consideration, that the specific departments, programs and colleges have time to defend themselves, and that faculty and staff have the chance to share their opinions.

That time is now. Any concerned member of the campus community should express his or her praise and concerns in letters to the editor. Student body president Doug Hartz, student chairs in the Arizona Student Association, Pete Morris of the graduate student council and Chair of the Faculty Senate Jory Hancock are all representative spokespeople that should be utilized.

Focused Excellence is going to improve the quality of UA educational, professional, research or work experience only if the campus community opens up as much as Likins and Davis. We have the opportunity to put the university in a better position in ten years than it is in now.