Ward, Shariff tell TV-2 of budget challenge

As the state budget crunch continues to worsen, the UW System is facing a “huge challenge,” Interim Chancellor David Ward told WBAY-TV 2 last week. “We’re already facing about $160 million in cuts (Systemwide), and we just don’t know how big these (latest) cuts are in terms of dollars.” Gov. Doyle ordered most state employees to take 16 furlough days over the next two years. Prof. Ismail Shariff said that will be problematic for faculty members. “The question is logistics. How do you expect us to do it? Do you expect us to cancel the classes?” he said. “The State is facing a real budget deficit, something has to be done, but they should look at other alternatives.” See story and video.