WNMU making big cuts

Western New Mexico University is facing layoffs, higher tuition and consolidation of classes amid a budget crunch. 

The Albuquerque Journal reports that the Silver City-based university plans to slash spending by 4 percent and eliminate less popular courses. 

WNMU President Joseph Shepard says the changes are needed because a projected 5 percent increase in student enrollment did not materialize. He says the university by the end of this month will cut spending for the remainder of this budget year by more than $1.3 million. 

Officials say cuts will probably be a combination of layoffs and letting some vacancies remain unfilled.

WNMU making big cuts