"The Situation Appears To Be Much Worse Now"

MSU GETS READY FOR THE AX

The Deputy Commissioner of the State's Department of Higher Education asks state universities for "impact statements" for core cuts of 15%, 20% and 25%.

A MSU Professor tells The Notebook: "Faculty is speculating in the hallways about layoffs. How else do you get to 25%?"

The Missouri Department of Higher Education memo, written by Deputy Commissioner Paul Wagner states: "As I had previously mentioned, the last time the state was in a deficit situation the request was for impact statements for 5%, 10%, and 15% cuts. Unfortunately, the situation appears to be much worse now. The request is for impact statements for core cuts of 15%, 20% and 25%."

Wagner adds: "This request is being made of all areas of state government, including grants and scholarships and higher education institutions, excluding only elected officials and public debt."

Asks for schools to submit their plans by December 18th

MSU President Michael Nietzel has sent an e-mail to Faculty:

"This exercise does not mean that such cuts will be implemented; it is being requested so that the Missouri General Assembly can evaluate the impact of any cuts that might be imposed."

ALSO: Nietzel will meet meet with other Presidents and Chancellors in Kansas City Wednesday about the request. He'll hold an Executive Budget Committee meeting this Friday. The meeting, Nietzel writes, is to begin talking about "how best to address this task, which obviously greatly exceeds the planning scenario we had already begun."

PLUS: Nixon's Office says the memo's assertion that Nixon will hold a press event tomorrow is NOT accurate.