The University of Oregon could lay off as many as 75 non-tenured faculty in order to cope with a nearly 9 million dollar deficit. The school is also considering a more than 10 percent hike in tuition for in-state students.
A memo from U of O Provost Scott Coltrane to College Deans informs them of a need for reductions because of rising costs and flat state revenue. Michael Dreiling is a U of O Professor of Sociology and President of United Academics. He says non-tenured faculty under threat of layoff are with programs that are successful including Arts Administration and Romance Languages. Dreiling says the state legislature is to blame.
Dreiling: “Because our state cannot get their act together and cannot get adequate revenue to make sure that we’re not stealing opportunities from future generations that have inherited a revenue and tax system in the state of Oregon that doesn’t work.”
U of O spokesman Tobin Klinger says he can’t share any specific details on the possible layoffs. The Board of Trustees meets this week to consider proposed tuition increases.
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