University of Alaska regents prepare for budget cuts

University of Alaska officials are working to prioritize programs as they face another round of cuts outlined in Gov. Bill Walker’s budget plan.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports that the statewide university system would receive about $330 million for fiscal year 2017 under Walker’s plan released Wednesday. The new figure would reduce university funding by nearly $16 million from the previous year.

UA President Jim Johnsen says the cuts will have a long-term effect on students, staff and faculty.

He told the board of regents that preserving the university’s rural campuses outside of Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau is a priority.

Johnsen says his staff is compiling a list of programs based on their value that will go before the board for their final approval in June.

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