MISSOULA – The University of Montana is looking at cutting costs and possibly personnel to make up a projected budget gap of $16 million the next academic year.
Enrollment dipped by about 700 students last year. School officials blame the drop on fewer high-school graduates and the publicity surrounding investigations into the campus and city’s response to sexual assaults.
Administrators are considering options that include cuts between 2 percent and 8 percent through retirement and attrition.
Vice president for administration and finance Michael Reid says besides cutting expenses, the university may look at ways to generate new revenue.
The Missoulian reports a lot depends on fall enrollment numbers, which won’t be known until mid-summer.
Reid says early indicators for enrollment are positive, which may help reduce the projected shortfall.