Duke University warns of possible cutbacks

One of North Carolina’s wealthiest schools is not immune to the economic downturn. A letter went out Monday to students and staff from Duke University’s president warning about possible cutbacks.

Spending cuts will include salary freezes for employees making more than $50,000. No layoffs have been announced, but they are expected.

Students will shell out 3.9 percent more for tuition, and all major expansion projects will be put on hold over the next three years. The university has to make up for a $125 million shortfall.

Duke University spokesperson, Michael Schoenfeld said, “Duke will be a smaller place. We’re obviously are not going to sustain the kind of growth we’ve had in recent years, and we’ll probably have to go in reverse for a little bit.”

The university said some vacant positions will remain unfilled to save money, but that does not include faculty positions.