Dickinson State University’s interim president has released his proposal to close a $7 million budget shortfall in the current biennium.
Steve Easton outlined his proposal in an e-mail to campus Thursday. He is proposing to use $2.2 million from reserves, and $5.3 million in cuts, to balance the budget. Six academic programs would be eliminated – Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, English and Art, and Bachelor of Science in Art Entrepreneurship, Art Education and Mathematics. Fourteen current staff would lose their jobs. And 22 other positions were reduced through early retirements, voluntary separations, or are unfilled. No tenured faculty were cut, but some did accept early retirement. And a “soft freeze” on hiring will take effect.
In a statement, Easton said while this was one of DSU’s “tough days,” there are better days ahead.
Easton plans to hold an open forum next Tuesday at noon in Klinefelter Hall.