UM makes cuts to cover $3M budget shortfall

MISSOULA (AP) — The University of Montana has found a way to cover a $3 million budget shortfall during the fall semester without impacting academic instruction or student support.

Michael Reid, vice president of administration and finance, told the Missoulian (http://bit.ly/1gug5b9 ) the school will make some small budget adjustments, including delaying some projects and finding utility savings.

However, Reid and UM Provost Perry Brown say covering the $3 million shortfall the university expects it will face for the spring semester probably won't come as easy. UM faculty members are planning a forum next week to identify their own cost-saving alternatives.

School officials say the cuts are needed because of a decline in enrollment, especially among out-of-state students taking upper-division courses.