As university officials prepare to haggle with state officials over budget cuts, House Republicans are defending their decision to cut higher education spending.
The cuts, according to UNC President Tom Ross, "would inflict real and lasting damage to the academic quality and reputation of the University of North Carolina.
"No amount of flexibility could offset the impact of permanent net cuts totaling nearly $491 million (17.7 percent)," he said in a prepared statement.
At Appalachian State University, officials are looking at the possibility of more than 200 job cuts, tuition hikes and cuts to financial aid.
