U Montana facing painful time as cutbacks loom in Missoula - Great Falls Tribune editorial board

Times are tough at the University of Montana this year, despite the surprising success of the Grizzlies on the football field this season. Layoffs are planned at the state’s flagship liberal arts university, and there is concern among the Faculty Senate, others on campus and in Missoula and around the state. It’s sad to see. To start with, we agree it’s appropriate the university is looking to cut costs. With enrollment dropping, the university doesn’t have much choice. University President Royce Engstrom last week told the Tribune’s editorial board the university’s goal after cuts are made will be to maintain an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. This is a painful process, with as many as 201 full-time equivalent positions facing elimination. http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/opinion/tribune-editorials/2015/12/06/university-montana-faces-painful-cuts/76806832/