State funding reduction prompts NAU cost-saving proposal

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Only 10 people will lose their jobs under a budget reduction proposal by Northern Arizona University President Rita Cheng.

The Arizona Daily Sun reports the university is likely to see bigger class sizes, heavier academic workloads and the permanent elimination of 60 jobs in response to the state's $17.3 million cut in funding.

Cheng made the announcement during a Thursday budget forum held at the campus, and said several satellite campuses may close depending on the university's return on its investment in those facilities. Two research facilities will also be closed.

Furloughs are also on the table, but Cheng said they may not be needed.

The university is also postponing construction of a multimillion-dollar Engineering Lab Building proposed in 2014. Enrollment for that program has tripled since 2005.

Information from: Arizona Daily Sun, http://www.azdailysun.com/