UNC Asheville closes 2 centers, cuts staff jobs

ASHEVILLE -- Two science research centers and eight staffers are being cut at the University of North Carolina at Asheville as the school prepares for expected cuts in state funding. The Asheville Citizen-Times reported Tuesday that university officials said they expect a 10 percent cut in state funds. The school says it is cutting 43 positions, but only eight people will be laid off. Officials say 26 positions were vacant and 17 were filled. Nine employees are being transferred to essential positions. No faculty positions are being cut. All schools in the University of North Carolina system are facing budget cuts because of decreased state revenues. UNC Asheville says its actions will cut nearly $1.7 million in expenses. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)