UConn warns cuts could lead to closing regional campuses

(AP) — The leaders of Connecticut's public colleges and universities asked lawmakers Wednesday to spare their schools major budget cuts, warning that more reductions could mean the elimination of academic and athletic programs and even shuttering some campuses.

UConn president Susan Herbst and Mark Ojakian, president of the Board of Regents for Higher Education, testified before the General Assembly's Appropriations Committee, which is grappling with how to handle a state budget shortfall of about $500 million for the next fiscal year.

Ojakian said the universities and community colleges in his system have already reduced library services, eliminated many full-time faculty positions, cut career counseling and eliminated many weekend classes for working students.