University administrators have completed a budget reduction plan, which will guide Nicholls through the implementation of the proposed $5.3 million budget cut.The plan, released Tuesday, requires the University to eliminate 13 academic programs and two community service programs, reduce one research program, terminate 58 employees and furlough an additional 356 employees. The furloughed employees will work 6.5 fewer days during the fiscal year.

In Academic Affairs, the University plan includes restructuring two academic colleges and eliminating one dean position. The cuts in Academic Affairs will decrease course offerings and increase class sizes.

The athletics department is considering the possibility of eliminating one sport and five assistant coaching positions.

According to the budget reduction plan, the library will continue to operate for fewer hours each day. There will also be a reduction in the amount of supplies and acquisitions available for the library.

Nicholls will release additional information about the affected programs and employees in the weeks ahead, University President Stephen Hulbert said in an e-mail sent to faculty and staff.

“No budget reduction decisions are either good or easy, especially as they affect our colleagues and students,” Hulbert said. “Nicholls remains a strong, healthy University that is being challenged by financial instability at the state and federal levels.”

While the University prepares for a $5.3 million budget reduction, the actual amount of money cut from the budget will not be finalized until the end of the legislative session.

“No one knows what will occur over the course of the current legislative session in terms of additional funding for higher education,” Hulbert said. “However, the financial realities facing Nicholls State University as a smaller institution over the next three years necessitate careful planning.