University of Alaska officials: Cuts could lead to midyear tuition hike, axed programs
University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen told the UA Board of Regents at a special meeting Thursday that the state Senate's nearly $22 million cut to the statewide system could lead to a midyear tuition increase, the end of certificate and degree programs and continued enrollment declines.
The $21.7 million cut has become the worst-case scenario for the UA system this year as state lawmakers continue to negotiate a budget in Juneau, grappling with a $3 billion state deficit.
University leaders discussed the impact of the proposal and budget contingency plans at Thursday's meeting, which was mainly held over video conference in Anchorage with officials in Fairbanks and Juneau.
They also discussed what is now the best-case scenario: legislative acceptance of the proposed budgets from Gov. Bill Walker and the state House, which include $325 million for UA, the same amount the university system received last year.
Read more: https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/education/2017/04/13/university-of-alaska-officials-say-22m-budget-cut-from-senate-could-lead-to-mid-year-tuition-increase-programs-cut/