University of Montana proposes cuts, tuition increase

"We are cutting into bone — muscle and bone." That’s what happens, said University of Montana President George Dennison, when an efficiently run university is asked to cut its base budget further.

This week, Dennison will present the Board of Regents with the university’s plan for permanently shedding $3.6 million from its annual base budget, to plug a hole caused by the disappearance of one-time federal stimulus dollars.

The plan recommends cutting $1.4 million in personnel costs and $1.9 million in operations. That may mean fewer adjunct professors, less overtime pay, increased teaching loads and allowing vacant jobs to go dark.

Both students and faculty will feel the effects.

"Cuts of this magnitude, you can’t avoid it," Dennison said.

By Chelsi Moy

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2009/11/18/state/hjjaiiichghfhj.txt