UNI prez: Budget cuts will help - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The president of the University of Northern Iowa said Friday he understands why some people are upset about budget cuts at the university, but he believes shifting funds to focus on the school's strengths will make it stronger. The Iowa Board of Regents voted this week to cut 58 majors, minors and graduate programs at the campus in Cedar Falls in an effort to eliminate an $800,000 deficit that academic programs face next year. They also suspended admissions to another eight programs while they undergo restructuring. President Ben Allen said the changes allow the university to focus on its strongest programs, which he believes will attract more students and faculty.