Officials at Arizona State University announced Jan. 28 that all university employees will be placed on a rotating, unpaid leave of absence between now and the end of the fiscal year to help the university meet required cuts of as much as $130 million from the fiscal 2009 budget.

"This decision was made after consultation with faculty, staff, students, administration and the Arizona Board of Regents," ASU President Michael M. Crow stated in a press release. "With so little time left in the current fiscal year, the university's leadership is confident that this is the most prudent way to address the (fiscal 2009) reductions while preparing for the additional reductions proposed for (fiscal 2010) because the furlough allows the (fiscal 2009) reductions to be shared and balanced among all the faculty and staff of the institution." 

Faculty members required to take the mandatory furloughs include Crow, all vice presidents, deans, faculty, varsity coaches and academic professionals.

University administrators will take the longest leave of absence – 15 days. The majority of employees will be required to take a 12-day unpaid furlough.

The university will stay open despite cuts in staff by staggering the days administrators are absent and ensuring professors take their leave of absence on days they do not teach class.

University officials said the measure is expected to save $24 million. Employees can expect an 8-12 percent reduction in yearly salary, depending on the assigned length of absence.