University of Maine prepares for layoffs amid $19M budget shortfall

The University of Maine is preparing for faculty and staff layoffs to address a projected $19 million budget shortfall. University leaders, including President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Provost Gabriel Paquette, indicated that while they will aggressively pursue options to minimize personnel reductions, the institution must implement significant cost-cutting measures to prepare its fiscal 2028 budget.

To close the deficit, the academic affairs unit aims to reduce base expenses by approximately $10 million. Proposed measures include eliminating 20% of vacant positions, reducing instruction budgets, consolidating course sections, and potentially closing underenrolled programs. The university is also considering increasing course seat limits and reducing discretionary course releases.

On the revenue side, the university intends to boost enrollment for first-year, transfer, and tuition-paying graduate students, as well as adult degree completers. Officials noted that tuition revenue has remained flat or declined, and changes at the federal level have impacted research funding, financial aid, and international student access. Successful enrollment and retention improvements are expected to yield approximately $2.2 million.