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UTM cuts $2.1 million


No academic programs were eliminated, but almost $2.1 million in other budget reductions for the University of Tennessee at Martin were announced Thursday afternoon, March 27, by university Chancellor Nick Dunagan.

He presented the information during a 3:15 p.m. open faculty meeting in the university's Watkins Auditorium.

Dunagan and the university's administration have worked since last fall to determine a plan for the reductions, which were made public Thursday for the first time.

The cuts are in line with 9 percent reductions required of all Tennessee state government agencies. He stressed that the reductions are "not across the board" and are based on strategic decisions to preserve the university's academic programs.

"Nobody enjoys making these reductions, especially when people's lives are directly affected," Dunagan said.

"However, UT Martin will do its part for the state in these difficult budget times while protecting the university's central mission as a teaching institution."

Earlier reductions were projected at $2.5 million, but Dunagan said an anticipated tuition increase for fall semester 2003 could cover most of the difference.

Any tuition increase would be considered in June by the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees.

Specific cuts include six to 10 faculty and staff members in current positions that will not be rehired in the coming year.

Also, 10 positions will not be filled, and the university's Center for Science and Mathematics Education will be eliminated.

The position cuts come at a savings of approximately $900,000, while the center's closing saves more than $323,000.

The center, located in Gooch Hall, opened in 1984 to promote excellence in science and mathematics education in grades K-12.

The university's division of academic affairs, UT Martin's largest budget unit, made cuts totaling more than $1 million, including personnel reductions.

Dunagan said the cuts will be noticeable but that every effort will be made to minimize the impact for students.

"An additional eight faculty positions were impacted by hiring faculty into term positions instead of the usual tenure track positions," Dunagan said. "Unfortunately, we will be offering reduced sections of some courses. Some sections will be staffed by adjunct faculty, but there will still be some shortages. "We are going to continue to work on the budget, and I anticipate an all-out effort to minimize the impact on our students, faculty and staff," he added.

Other reductions involved intercollegiate athletics, including elimination of the women's indoor and outdoor track program. Nine student-athletes will retain their scholarships until their eligibility is complete. The university also will work with team members to find other schools if they wish to transfer.

Athletics program cuts, including elimination of the track program, totaled more than $170,000, Dunagan said.

Other university cost-saving measures will involve adjustments for heating and cooling in campus buildings, increasing fees for the public use of university facilities, reducing funds for campus improvements and greater use of the Web to save in publication and mailing costs.

“The university will survive this difficult time,” said Dunagan. “We will continue to serve students by offering the best academic programs possible. Better days are ahead.”