COLLEGES ALREADY CUTTING UNDER 13.4% EDICT - Some Considering Tuition Hikes

(01/31/2003)
College presidents are dealing with a three-point-four percent budget cut this year and a cut of at least 10% in the fiscal year beginning July lst. The cut-backs total 13.4%.

Gov. Wise has said reductions are inevitable given the state's budget woes, which include a looming 250 million-dollar deficit next fiscal year.

WVU and colleges are considering tuition increases.

Some of the early actions being taken:

Concord, Shepherd College and West Virginia University-Parkersburg set lower budgets.

Concord also has excluded computer purchases and eliminated spring classes.

Fairmont State will cut vacant positions or lay off staff.

. Marshall staff could lose one week's pay.

West Liberty State has eliminated seven vacancies and is planning more layoffs.

Glenville State has laid off some workers with more job cuts planned.