YSU plans to cut, reduce programs

Additional cuts will be announced, according to the YSU provost.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Some vacant posts won't be filled and several programs will be cut or reduced as Youngstown State University continues to look for ways to cut spending.
The university is facing a projected $1.2 million deficit for the next school year, which begins July 1, and President David C. Sweet has instructed each of the university's divisions to cut their budget proposals by 1.5 percent, which could result in a $1.5 million reduction in spending.
That comes on the heels of cuts by division heads ranging from 1 percent to 1.5 percent this year to offset a $1.2 million deficit.
Provost Robert K. Herbert has announced a preliminary series of cuts that he estimates will save about $200,000 next year. None of the actions require laying off any employees, nor will they negatively impact students or the quality of academic programs, he said.
Additional cuts
There will be additional cuts, he predicted.
His current list includes:
Closing the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning at Youngstown State, a program created in August 2002 to support various teaching and learning activities for individuals and groups at YSU, such as the Faculty Book Club, invited speaker series and the annual Summer Institute for Teacher-Scholars.
Temporary suspension of the Freshman Reader's Dialogue program, also started in 2002. It called for all freshmen to read and discuss the same book, followed by a visit to campus by the author.
Elimination of the position of assistant to the provost, which has been vacant since August.
Elimination of the position of associate director of the Center for International Studies and Programs and replacing it with a coordinator.
Elimination of the Scholar in Residence position, which was funded through the provost's office to bring notable scholars to campus for teaching and seminars.
Leaving the position of director of University Outreach unfilled. It has been vacant for the past year.
Cutting general fund financing of the salaries of YSU Public Service Institute positions by half, with the other half funded through external grant money.
Rather than making across-the-board cuts in all academic departments, Herbert said his office is identifying particular programs and positions that can be eliminated or reduced.