Voluntary severance packages have been offered to 247 administrative, non-faculty employees at the University of Texas at Arlington because of a deep budget deficit.

University President James D. Spaniolo said in a statement the move is part of a plan to reduce the school’s general budget by 5 percent because state and university revenue are both down.  According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, UTA will offer eligible employees $20,000 or half of the employee’s base annual salary as of May 31, whichever is greater, minus the required taxes. Eligible employees will have 65 days to consider the offer and submit a separation agreement.

While faculty positions aren’t being affected, Spaniolo said further moves could be forthcoming as he tries to trim $9 million from the budget.

“Budget reductions are never easy, and our current situation is no exception,” Spaniolo said in his letter.

“I must stress that the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program is one of several possible options to reduce the university’s budget for fiscal year 2011.

“Depending on the effectiveness of the program, we may need to consider further staff reductions.”