The University on Wednesday released budget cut projections for a $62 million reduction in state funding, which would potentially result in the loss of 350 faculty, 350 staff positions, closure of buildings and the elimination of seven of the University’s 14 colleges.
The cuts are not definite, and the projections are an exercise mandated by the Board of Regents to prepare for future budget cuts.
The latest projections elaborate on scenarios prepared this summer by the University, which initially prepared for a $46 million budget cut. The summer plans outlined a three-level system dividing every University entity into three categories based on relevance to teaching and the academic core of the University.
Level Three consists of the academic core, and the initial projection removed $20,065,049. The latest projections cut $36,369,019 from the academic core. Level Two consists of units that support the core — like student support activities and library services — and cuts in that level total $16,634,845. Level One consists of units not directly related to the academic core — like Facility Services and Student Support Services — and cuts to this tier total $9,162,282.
If the scenario becomes reality, then 154,299 undergraduate credit hours and 31,506 graduate credit hours will be eliminated.
Chancellor Michael Martin said he doesn’t know the likelihood of the cuts materializing because the projections were created at request of the state.
“If it actually came to pass, it would be catastrophic,” Martin said. “The very conversations we’re having will do some harm because the conversation causes people to look for other jobs elsewhere.”
Read the full story at the Daily Reveille.
Please join the conversation about our stories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, MeWe, Rumble, Gab, Minds and Gettr.