Layoffs, tuition jump part of proposed U budget plan

The president of the University of Minnesota will present a budget to the board of regents this week that includes staff layoffs, a tuition increase and a wage freeze for workers.

Because lawmakers and Gov. Mark Dayton didn't agree to a balanced budget before the legislative session ended, University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks is making some assumptions in order to develop next year's budget.

Bruninks will present a provisional budget to the school's board of regents on Friday. It assumes the university will receive $70 million less in state funds than it did this year. The shortfall is made up through staff reductions, program cuts, a 5 percent tuition increase for in-state undergrads and a wage freeze for employees.

In the case of a state government shutdown, Bruininks' budget also keeps the university running with set-aside funds — at least for a few months. It has $90 million set aside, enough to make up for almost two months of missing state funds.

The board of regents will meet again to act on the budget June 20.