The University of Iowa’s president warns her institution is near the “breaking point” because of budget constraints. University of Iowa president Mary Sue Coleman kept 70 staff positions open after retirements and resignations, but in October there may have to be layoffs to cover a projected two million dollar shortfall. Coleman won’t know ’til the students enroll in the fall exactly how much tuition income the university will collect, especially if economic conditions force some students to take a semester off. Coleman says the administrative staff is pared to the bone compared to other universities. Coleman says if the budget constraints continue, talented professors and researchers will be lured to other schools.The dean of the university’s college of liberal arts has said a tuition hike of up to 15 percent is “reasonable” for next academic year to make up for budget cuts. Coleman isn’t ready to say what tuition level she’ll recommend to the Board of Regents.Coleman made her comments during a visit to Radio Iowa’s studios.
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