Higher ed layoffs continue amid struggle for students, funding

Two public universities in the last week announced significant faculty and staff cuts to help resolve punishing budget deficits, making them the latest institutions to do so.The University of Oklahoma reported it was trimming 50 staff positions, mostly at its main campus, to help resolve what President James Gallogly said is a potential $15 million operating loss, The Associated Press reported. In Georgia, Savannah State University, meanwhile, said it will lay off 26 non-tenured faculty members as declining enrollment and reduced state funding strains its budget.Upon taking office earlier this year, Gallogly announced cuts to administrative offices and saved $20 million by reducing third-party services and purchasing. Savannah has taken interim measures such as eliminating vacant positions and restricting new hires, according to Diverse Issues in Higher Education, though President Cheryl Dozier said those are "not sustainable options given the budgetary circumstances."Budgetary shortfalls and other financial dilemmas are familiar as public colleges and universities struggle with the twin problems of enrollment challenges and reduced state funds. In response, they are using a variety of methods to fill the gap, including cutting tuition, increasing fundraising and recruiting more intensely and creatively — and more often out-of-state.