Brown Univ. considers slashing budget

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Brown University President Ruth Simmons says the school is considering $30 million in budget cuts for the next fiscal year in response to financial pressures caused in part by an endowment that has shrunk by $740 million.

Simmons said in a letter to faculty, staff and students Tuesday that the cuts could include staff reductions through layoffs, attrition or early retirement.

Other proposals to close the gap include increasing enrollment, eliminating some sports programs, imposing a student fee for recreation and fitness, and eliminating dining hall newspaper subscriptions.

The Providence Journal reports that the Ivy League university's governing body, the Brown Corporation, meets Feb. 25 to set the 2010-2011 budget.

The school made $35 million in cuts last year.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/