University of Montana surveying faculty about early retirement

MISSOULA – The University of Montana is surveying faculty and staff about their interest in early retirement as the university seeks to cut spending due to decreasing enrollment.

The Missoulian reports (http://bit.ly/2nB2CbS ) the email, sent Wednesday, asked employees for their age, years at UM, interest in early retirement, the year they had planned to retire and the earliest retirement possibility with an adequate incentive. They were also asked to name their biggest concern. Answers are due by Tuesday.

UM spokeswoman Paula Short says the university is still exploring a buyout and is asking potentially eligible employees what they see as the possible benefits and barriers of such a program.

The commissioner of higher education has said UM needs to reduce its staffing budget.