AP: WSU announces layoffs, program cuts

Washington State University will cut 359 jobs and eliminate several programs to deal with severe budget cuts imposed by the state, according an advance copy of a news release obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press.

In a speech WSU President Elson Floyd was to deliver Wednesday morning, he says the school's departments of Theater and Dance, and Community and Rural Sociology will be phased out, and the German major will be eliminated because of budget cuts of $54 million over the next two years that were imposed by the Legislature. But the sports management program, which had been slated for elimination, will be retained.

"The massive budget cut we must endure will result in reductions in jobs, programs, services, enrollments, and degree offerings," Floyd said in the speech, which was also being sent by e-mail to WSU employees and alumni. "Virtually every aspect of WSU has been touched by this fiscal crisis."

Floyd, who has already cut his salary by $100,000, said WSU's top administrators will contribute 5 percent of their base salaries back to the school. The $330,000 savings will save 10 positions, he said.

Floyd rejected the notion of across-the-board budget cuts, saying he wanted to preserve the strongest programs at the state's land-grant university, which is based in Pullman. The new budget takes effect July 1.

Among the actions:

-WSU will not fill 167 vacancies, and will cut an additional 192 faculty and staff positions.

-The sports management major that had been slated for elimination will continue.

-The Department of Theater and Dance will close in July 2011, allowing current students to complete their degrees.

-The Department of Community and Rural Sociology will close July 2010, as there are no students majoring in this program.

-The German major will be eliminated July 2011, after current students complete their study.

Many programs in Pullman and at branch campuses in Spokane, the Tri-Cities and Vancouver also will see reductions.

WSU's key College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences will consolidate some majors and eliminate the international marketing program for farm products.

The Cooperative Extension program will close all nine of its learning centers across the state and will make other staff cuts.

The university will also dramatically cut back on advertising and reduce its print publications.

Administrators held more than a dozen public meetings to gather comments after releasing their initial budget cut proposals in early May.

"Over 10,000 comments have been offered on different phases of the budget proposals under consideration," Floyd wrote.