UW Preparing For Budget Reduction

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — University of Wyoming officials are leaving some staff and faculty positions vacant now in hopes of avoiding layoffs in the future.

UW President Tom Buchanan says the university is being proactive by preparing now for a possible $15 million-plus budget rollback from the state.

University vice presidents met earlier this month and reviewed 84 vacant, non-academic positions, choosing to hold 28 of them open until the budget picture and possible reduction becomes clearer.

The Associated Press reports that the 28 vacant positions account for about $716,000 in annual salaries.

The university also is holding $1 million in annual faculty and academic professional salaries vacated in fiscal year 2012. The $1 million represents 12 unfilled faculty positions.