Regents unanimously approve U of M budget
The University of Minnesota board of regents voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a budget that raises tuition, and cuts jobs and class offerings.
The $3.4 billion dollar budget covers fiscal years 2010 and 2011 budget and will eliminate as many as 1,200 positions at the U over the next two years. Employees also face a temporary pay cut and furlough days.
U of M President Robert Bruininks said the budget is tight, but shouldn't hurt the academic mission of the school.
"We are doing our best to protect the quality of the university and taking some pretty painful medicine here," Bruininks said."
The budget increases tuition for most students by 7.5 percent. Stimulus funds will reduce that increase for in-state undergrads, but some professional students will see an increase of more than 10 percent.
The budget also means some classes will be offered fewer times during the semester.
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