WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The University of the District of Columbia will eliminate its inter-collegiate athletics program in order to save money in its attempt to stay afloat despite drastic cuts in its budget.
"Inter-collegiate athletics is being eliminated. I haven't heard, one way or another, about intramurals," said Jo'Ellen Countee, a spokesperson for UDC.
The news came in the midst of the university's trying to close an estimated $18.4 million budget shortfall.
Interim president Dr. Julius Nimmons has already proposed cutting 125 faculty positions and 168 other university positions, a proposal agreed to by the board of trustees.
In order to fend off the cutting of jobs, a coalition of faculty outside the official faculty senate submitted a budget proposal that would cut pay and benefits to existing staff members.
"This is an attempt by the faculty leadership to exercise responsibility," said Dr. Joseph Drew, a political science professor. "We want to keep a viable institution."
It was unclear at press time what the response of the faculty senate or the university administration would be to the alternative plan.
In a separate action, fifteen people in the financial office of the university were fired as part of an action by the D.C. Financial Control Board, which is in control of the government of the District of Columbia.
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