ACSUM

Article written by: Nell Gluckman

Please remember these snippets of articles are for informational purposes only. To read the whole article go to the link at the end.

BANGOR, Maine — At the center of protests over a dozen faculty layoffs at the University of Southern Maine on Friday and into Monday is $183 million the University of Maine System holds as reserve funding.

System officials say dipping into reserves would only delay current financial problems and detract from planned projects, but critics, like the rallying students and faculty, believe this funding should be used to stave off layoffs.

“There’s no budget crisis,” Susan Feiner, a professor of economics and women and gender studies, told attendees at a rally at USM on Monday. “They’re lying… They’ve got historic reserves. There’s no need for cuts.”

For more on this article: With $183 in reserve..

Article written by: Nell Gluckman

Please remember these snippets of articles are for informational purposes only. To read the whole article go to the link at the end.

BANGOR, Maine — The University of Maine System will cut 157 positions across its seven campuses and central office and dip deep into its rainy day fund if a budget plan it released Tuesday is passed by the system’s board of trustees next month.

The proposed budget features eight fewer positions lost than what system Chancellor James Page warned could be cut in March when he addressed the state Legislature.

The proposed budget was posted to the system’s website on Tuesday and will be reviewed and considered by the trustees’ Finance, Facilities and Technology Committee on Monday. The entire board will vote on the budget at a May 18-19 meeting.

For more on this article: University of Maine System budget…..