DULUTH, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Duluth today announced sweeping campus-wide cuts totaling $5.2 million for the coming year. Impacts of the cuts include the elimination of 29 faculty and staff positions, a merger of the College of Liberal Arts and School of Fine Arts, and changes and reductions within other academic programs, student services, and elsewhere within campus operations.
State Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth), House Majority Whip and a UMD alumnae, issued the following statement:
“I’m disappointed to hear the extent of the cuts outlined today at UMD. UMD is a valued asset not just for the community, but our entire state’s educational structure. Sadly, the cuts announced today could put the opportunity for students to receive a quality, engaging, and affordable higher education in jeopardy.
“This campus is too important for our state to allow that to happen, and we must address the reasons the school finds itself in this position. There are clear inequity issues within the University of Minnesota system and UMD’s funding falls short compared to other campuses. Looking ahead, I’m hopeful President Gabel and the Board of Regents can address this to ensure UMD can maintain its standard of excellence for students, our region, and the entire state. From a state perspective, we must also continue to invest strongly in higher education at all levels, including the U of M. I remain committed to delivering on this priority so institutions like UMD can maintain a well-earned reputation for excellence.”
State Rep. Jen Schultz (DFL – Duluth), a professor of economics at UMD, issued the following statement:
“As we work to deliver a quality, affordable education to those who seek one at UMD, the cuts announced today are deeply concerning for our entire campus community. As the second-largest research university in the state, increased investments in UMD are vitally important to deliver an innovative education with experiential learning opportunities for students. I’ll continue to work with the administration, faculty, members of the Board of Regents, and President Gabel to evaluate all aspects of the U of M’s budget to determine a better path forward which will empower UMD to maintain and strengthen the high-level of academic excellence which attracts students from across the globe. The Legislature also has a responsibility to adequately fund higher education, and I’ll continue to be part of the solution working toward that at the State Capitol.”