Economy causes hiring freeze and deficit at Wilkes University - Andrew Seaman, Wilkes Beacon

The economy continues to adversely impact Wilkes University into the new year. University officials acknowledge that they expect a $2.5 million deficit for the 2009 fiscal year, which means a leaner budget for the 2009 – 2010 academic year. Petra Carver, vice president for finance, said that the deficit is due to several factors; including a decrease in enrollment and the number of students housing on campus. “We have curtailed any expenses that are not essential. We have put off hiring where it’s not essential or [we can] hold off for a period of time, and we have asked every vice president and the provost to go into their departments and curtail anything that is not absolutely necessary.” She added, “We also will look at some of the capital expenses that have not been committed to hold those back. Those were the steps we are hoping that we can curtail that deficit as much as possible.” Budget managers have been asked to cut current operating costs by up to 11%.