The University of Kansas and Kansas State University have adopted differing strategies for dealing with state funding cuts. This week, KU announced targeted cuts that include significant reductions for some specific programs. K-State, however, has given all departments an across-the-board cut of just under 4 percent, according to spokesperson Jeff Morris.
“It gives them some flexibility in terms of how they adjust the funds. A lot of people have decided they were going to not hire people for a while,” says Morris.
Morris says some departments have also reduced the number of teaching assistants and postponed construction projects.
Governor Sam Brownback cut higher education funding by $30 million in May as a way to help balance the state budget.