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PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A national association advocating for university and college faculty has issued a report criticizing the University of Southern Maine for recent faculty and academic cuts.
The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/1bRDOBY ) reports that the American Association of University Professors says USM's finances were not poor enough to justify eliminating faculty positions, and the school didn't properly consult with faculty when making those decisions.
Interim President David Flanagan cut five academic programs and eliminated 51 faculty positions last fall to help close a $16 million budget gap for the current fiscal year.
The report released Wednesday is based on an investigation by a committee of faculty members from other universities who talked to USM administrators, faculty and staff.
USM officials say the group's report misrepresents the school's financial situation.
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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com
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