(Fairbanks, AK) University of Alaska officials have released a summary of proposed budget cuts and efficiency measures in response to a request from Governor Bill Walker in anticipation of reduced state funding.
Vice President of University Relations Carla Beam says the university was asked to present plans for addressing 5 and 8 percent state reductions, additional to an already proposed 6 million dollar cut. “Those come out to 24.1 million dollars under 5 percent reduction scenario, and 35 million dollars under an 8 percent scenario.”
Beam says the reductions would be spread across the UA system’s 3 branches, as well as statewide operations. “With UA Fairbanks picking up 47.6 percent of that, UAA 36.5 percent, UAS, 8 percent, and statewide, 7.9 percent.”
The summary lists wide ranging cuts, which affect high level administration, and university programs and services, including public radio and television. It does not name targeted academic programs, which are still under review. It also does not provide a specific number of job cuts, but earlier this week, University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Brian Rogers indicated UAF can expect the loss of 200 to 250 positions. The extent of cuts hinges on state legislators tasked with allocating state revenue decreased by lower oil prices and declining production. ###
