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LOGAN -- Utah State University has announced big cuts that will take effect next month, as officials prepare to deal with a $4 million budget deficit.
In a statement on the USU website, President Stan Albrecht outlined the measures to be taken, which include not filling empty or retired positions.
"The overall reduction in workforce will be kept to a minimum," said Albrecht.
The university is receiving $4 million less from state funds. The reductions break down to $1 million from central funds and $3 million from different colleges, departments, offices and regional campuses.
USU spokesman Patrick Williams says it has not been easy. "While it will impact every area of campus, it should preserve our core mission at Utah State University," he said.
Williams says the decisions were made with input from around the university.
The school is not alone in its predicament.
"Utah State University is one of all the schools in the state system that is faced with budget reductions. They are being handled differently at every school," Williams said. "It crosses over into the public school sector, too. Reductions are being made while trying to preserve the core programs and quality of education."
Others in the state system who are also having to make cuts are raising tuition as one way to make up the difference. Williams says, so far, that is not one of the measures USU is taking.
"Tuition is always a concern at the university. Students more and more must bear more of the cost of their education, but the committee did not review tuition increases, as far as I know," he said. "The long-term plan may look at some areas where enrollments in certain programs, both on the undergraduate and graduate level, are low. Those programs may be looked at for elimination, but that is very long term."
Other long-term recommendations include cuts to the College of Natural Resources, the University Press and the school's insurance program. The university may even consider outsourcing some services or reducing the number of majors.
Williams says committees have been formed to look at all possible options.
Email: mrichards@ksl.com
