Missouri Universities Budget Cuts (5-21-20)

Missouri Universities Budget Cuts (5-21-20)

The governor calling missouri colleges and universities let them know -- another cut to higher education is probably coming madeline mcclain joins us in studio to explain how this will affect the fall semester.

Covid-19 -- a one-two punch to colleges across the country.

Missouri western -- like the rest of colleges and universities in the state got a call from the governor.he didn't say how much of the higher education budget would be cut but plan for one.

University presidents have tough choices ahead.tighter budgets, hybrid classrooms, while not sacrificing education.mathew wilson, president of missouri western state university: there going to need a lot of flexibility.

John jasinski, president of northwest missouri state: agility, flexibility to be ready for things to change.

Missouri western was facing a lopsided budget before the pandemic.the new university president tasked with cutting $10 million from the university's bills.slashing faculty, staff, and programs. mathew wilson, president of missouri western state university:northwest had already made some of those tough choices over the last decade.but it doesn't mean the university won't be financially stressed.

Covid-19 hasn't spared any university or college.john jasinski, president of northwest missouri state: "let's not sugar-coat it."last month the governor notified universities that revenue shortfalls meant millions weren't coming now... or ever.

And more likely coming this june.mathew wilson, mwsu president:"everyone is going to have to take a bite of that apple."while budgets are still in flux president's say they plan to open up campus for fall.hybrid class formats -- with offerings ranging from online or in-person.these two presidents have to lead their university's into the future at a unprecedented time college may end up on different paths..but both agree -- they can only take one step at a time.adapt.

Missouri western's president also says they are expecting enrollment to be down this fall.

Higher education experts anticipate the drop in enrollment will be due to students skipping semesters because of digital barriers to access.