A dean at the University of Iowa says furloughs are part of the discussion at the school to cope with state budget cuts. U-I College of Liberal Arts Dean Linda

Maxson told a faculty group Wednesday that nothing has been decided, but unpaid time off for faculty and staff is expected. She said employees could be furloughed "for a day or two or three."

Any decision won’t happen until after the legislature approves a budget in late April. Officials at the state Universities then will have about two weeks to submit a budget to the Board of Regents.

Under Governor Chet Culver’s proposal, Maxson says the University of Iowa could be facing a $26-million cut.