Amanda McElfresh

amcelfresh@theadvertiser.com

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette may implement a hiring freeze this year to save about $1.9 million.

In addition, the university may cut $3.5 million in funding for its research centers; furlough 668 employees on Fridays; cut $500,000 in purchase of office and educational supplies and eliminate travel, which would reduce the budget by $100,000.

UL could lose more than $7.6 million because of possible mid-year budget cuts to Louisiana’s colleges and universities.

State officials have said there is a $131 million shortfall for higher education in Louisiana.

In all, the University of Louisiana System would have to cut $38 million from all of its member institutions.

“The impact of a $38 million budget cut in January would severely hinder, if not cripple our institutions,” UL System officials said in a statement. “This will further erode the already strained financial position of each institution, deemed critical in the SACS (Commission on Colleges) reaffirmation process.”

Potential cuts would 'cripple' higher ed

On his blog, UL President Joseph Savoie wrote Monday that he and other university leaders were meeting with Acadiana legislators this week to discuss the situation.

A legislative session is set for Feb. 14 to discuss the funding problems.

“As discussions ramp up around budgets, please know that the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a strong foundation and it will continue to make progress,” Savoie wrote. “We are confident that our elected officials will work together to provide solutions to the state’s financial challenges. As in the past, we will strive to protect our academic core, preserve our research vitality and support the community and state through engagement and economic development.”

Meanwhile, 1,200 employees could be laid off from the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. The system stands to lose $20.2 million, according to documents submitted to the state Board of Regents.

The documents did not detail how many layoffs could occur at each of LCTCS’ 13 member schools. In Acadiana, the system operates South Louisiana Community College.

The layoffs would begin March 15, and last for the remainder of the fiscal year.

LSU says budget cuts would force widespread layoffs