UNM Braces for $22.5 Million Less In Fiscal Year 2017

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — With declining enrollment and a smaller allotment from the cash-strapped state, the University of New Mexico is bracing to have $22.5 million less to spend in fiscal year 2017. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports (http://bit.ly/2d5YdGN ) that at a meeting Thursday UNM President Robert Frank said the expected losses mean everything from programs to staff and administrative positions could face cuts. Frank announced that the university will put a freeze on hiring and all college officials will perform departmental audits of temporary and part-time staff positions. Those positions that aren't deemed to be critical will likely be cut. UNM leaders are asking staff and faculty to join a committee to brainstorm long-term financial solutions. The university operates on a budget of about $2.85 billion. This year, the Legislature trimmed funding for public colleges by $16.5 million.