Budget cuts prompt new round of buyouts at University of North Dakota - Andrew Haffner, Bemidji Pioneer

A segment of the University of North Dakota employees received a buyout invitation Wednesday to voluntarily resign their posts or "phase down" their workload. The university announced a series of limited-time voluntary separation programs aimed at reducing staffing costs in light of expected state funding cuts for higher education. The window to submit an application for a buyout opened Jan. 18. Employees who meet eligibility criteria may now apply until Feb. 15. Both faculty and staff members are included in the program offerings, all of which are described in UND informational guides as intended to reduce staffing costs such as salary, benefits and wages as well as to "redirect the allocation and appointment of positions" to better meet the needs of the university mission. http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/4202669-budget-cuts-prompt-new-round-buyouts-university-north-dakota