Nicholls State evaluating sports budget - Jacob Batte, Houma Today

Nicholls State University officials are analyzing their sports budget and its impact on the university, officials said this week, but any cuts to the department are expected to be minimal. Lawmakers are currently in Baton Rouge for a special legislative session aimed at closing an $850 to $950 million budget gap by June 30. Once that is done, lawmakers need to find a way to fill a nearly $2 billion projected deficit for the next fiscal year. Nicholls is facing up to $3.5 million in midyear cuts, which could result the university declaring financial exigency, similar to academic bankruptcy, and lay off or furlough faculty and staff members. Various scenarios submitted to the University of Louisiana System by the school have included temporarily closing for 14 days, freezing all non-academic spending and laying off 100 staff and furloughing faculty for 10 days. http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20160228/ARTICLES/160229710