From Staff Reports

As a result of the continuing economic downturn, UNC Asheville, along with other state universities, was asked in December — by UNC President Tom Ross—  to cut its expenses by 2.5 percent for the remainder of 2011.

Ross also asked the state universities to prepare budgets for 2012 that include 15 percent in cuts. For UNCA, the latest cut would total another $6 million.

The 15 percent cut at Western Carolina University would amount to $13 million and at Appalachian State University, $21.3 million.

Officials at the schools said it is likely there will be fewer class sections, larger class sizes and, for some students, increased time to be able to take the classes they need in order to graduate.

Despite the looming cuts, UNCA is moving forward with several large construction projects, which are funded through other sources than the general fund.

To soften the blow of the budget cuts, UNCA is raising its in-state undergraduate fees by $193 in 2011-12, ASU by $282 and WCU by $232.20.