COLUMBIA -- Cuts to University of Missouri programs are on the way as the school faces budget cuts from the state, according to a presentation Tuesday from system president Mun Choi.
Choi highlighted a number of ways the UM system plans to handle budget cuts in a speech to Columbia Chamber of Commerce members on the University of Missouri – Columbia campus.
Chief among those was streamlining university programs. Choi says he and campus officials will gauge how important programs are to student graduation rates and the university’s profile.
“We’re going to be focusing on excellence,” Choi said of the programs, adding that some that don’t meet the university’s standards “are going to be phased out.”
Choi declined to specify which programs might be affected, or how many people would be laid off. He did say layoffs would likely be attached to cuts to programs, since most of the UM system’s budget is in personnel. He said laid-off employees “will be the first to know” once the decision is made.
The preparations are in response to the budget plan Gov. Eric Greitens released in January. It includes major cuts to higher education across the state, including $22.9 million from the UM System specifically.
Choi also said he plans to raise the UM system’s tuition revenue, but not by raising tuition.
“We have to be more proactive in attracting not only international students but out of state students,” Choi said, saying streamlining out-of-state and international applications will be one of his priorities.
Choi also answered questions about the University of Missouri – Columbia’s search for a chancellor. He said the first round of in-person interviews will start in April, and hopes to have a shortlist of finalists interviewed in May.