UW-L hit hard by budget cuts

School cut 45 positions and plans to take 18 more

The University of La Crosse-Wisconsin has apparently been one college hit hard by recent budget cuts to higher education in the state.  

Chancellor Joe Gow was prepared to give a presentation at last week’s board of regents meeting, but those were canceled by system president Ray Cross. 

Since $250 million was cut in the 2015-17 budget, the university has cut 45 positions across all divisions including Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, Student Affairs and University Advancement. It also plans to eliminate 18 more faculty and three staff positions in fiscal year to deal with a budget deficit.

UW-L says it has a deficit of $1.6 million for fiscal year 2016, something it didn’t expect due, in part, to fewer transfer enrollments. 

Each of the colleges cut seven percent in operating budgets, which leaders say will adversely affect support for classroom instruction, undergraduate research initiatives, and faculty development.