University of Alaska regents delay downsizing decisions

By DAN JOLING
Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – The University of Alaska Board of Regents has delayed declaring a “financial exigency” that would have allowed administrators to bypass usual procedures for laying off personnel and eliminating programs.

Meeting Monday, regents held off on the declaration that would have allowed expedited lay-offs of tenured faculty and others.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy last month used line-item vetoes to eliminate $130 million from the university budget. Lawmakers failed to override vetoes last week.

The vetoes and previous reductions means the university could see its state funding cut by 41%.

UA President Jim Johnsen says waiting to eliminate expenses will mean having to make larger reductions later in the year.

But regents were hesitant to take immediate action while legislators negotiate with Dunleavy to restore some university funding.