BANGOR, Maine — University of Maine System trustees have approved a five-year plan to address a projected $69 million funding gap that calls for the streamlining of academic programs and workforce reductions.
Trustees of the seven-campus system unanimously approved the plan on Monday.
The plan could mean the elimination of some academic programs if similar programs are offered at other campuses.
The Portland Press Herald reports that of the $69 million, $59 million will be closed by cutting the workforce, with $44 million in direct personnel reductions. Of that $44 million, $18 million would come from faculty positions and $26 million in non-faculty cuts.
The system has been dealing with flat state funding, declining enrollment and tuition freezes for several years.
The system is currently more than $11 million in the black.