UNM To Freeze Staff Hiring To Address Possible Budget Cuts

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — University of New Mexico President Bob Frank says the school will freeze staff hiring in an attempt to address possible budget cuts from the state. Frank also told the Board of Regents on Tuesday that UNM may hire fewer faculty, which could affect the number of classes offered. The Albuquerque Journal reports (http://bit.ly/2cjM9ER) Frank also has instructed officials with academic affairs, the administration and the Health Sciences Center to prepare for a 5 percent budget cut in anticipation of a potential state cut to the current budget. Last month, Gov. Susana Martinez ordered state agencies to reduce their spending by at least 5 percent. However, that directive didn't apply to public schools and universities. Martinez is expected to call a special legislative session on the budget shortfall later this month.