Academic departments face budget cuts - Martin Donovan, Luther College Chips

Academic departments were asked during the summer to create budget reduction plans of five and 10 percent respectively for this academic year. Luther’s administrative cabinet is currently reviewing the proposed budget cuts, and the plans will be introduced to the Board of Regents in October for a vote to reduce the budget. According to Vice President of Finance and Administration Eric Runestad, the budget cuts are a result of Luther’s continued decline in enrollment. “Since students account for almost all of the college’s revenue, and since we have fewer students than we had several years ago, we are working to balance the budget by decreasing operational expenses and increasing revenues wherever possible,” Runestad said. Luther’s total enrollment has decreased by over 450 students since the fall of 2013, according to Luther’s Assessment and Institutional Research. https://www.lutherchips.com/5799/news/academic-departments-face-budget-cuts/