OSU Regents implement hiring freeze

Saturday, June 22nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Regents governing Oklahoma State University on Friday implemented a hiring freeze and said they expected no layoffs after approving a $583 million budget for the Stillwater campus and for operations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Okmulgee.

Regents received almost $3.5 million less in state appropriations for OSU. A tuition increase will provide $2.2 million in new revenue.

OSU will forgo a raise program, reduce tuition waivers, delay filling some open positions, manage energy costs and review campus space utilization to trim in the 2003 budget year, which begins July 1, said Natalea Watkins, assistant vice president of communications.

The regents also set up a search committee for the replacement of OSU President James Halligan, who will retire when his successor is selected.

Regent Chairman Fred Harlan of Okmulgee said he anticipates a 26-member committee, which will be headed by regent Ed Keller of Tulsa.

OSU-Tulsa is projecting an increase in enrollment and intends to add six new faculty positions. OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl said the growth this fall could be as much as 140 percent.