North Dakota State University President Richard A. Hanson anticipates lifting the temporary hiring freeze by Feb. 4.
At an open forum Jan. 26, Hanson responded to a question from the audience about the freeze that was put into effect on Dec. 16.
"For sure on Feb. 4 it goes away, maybe sooner," Hanson said. "It depends on how quickly we can disseminate what we need to do with the budget. We are very close now; we're less than two weeks away."
Hanson plans to move forward on some hiring requests that have been pending. "I think we're in pretty good shape there," he said, noting the freeze will soon come off completely. "I just need a little more confirmation from our budget folks."
Hanson said a solution is being worked out to the university's announced $2.5 million shortfall in the appropriated funds budget area. He said that solution is a combination of salary savings, unused fringe benefits and using some operating funds.
"The details are being worked out," he told the approximately 165 faculty members, staff and students who attended the forum. "There isn't any doubt these adjustments will require your patience and there will be some changes. We'll lose from flexibility, but we won't lose people. We will take care of it."