MOSCOW, ID - The University of Idaho will implement furloughs for 2,600 employees during the next four months. This will save about $1.2-million and help offset shortfalls in funding.

In a statement, the university writes:

"President Duane Nellis is exercising expanded powers granted to the presidents of Idaho's four-year institutions under changes to state board of education policies that were approved February 18."

The board voted to give university presidents broad power during a financial crisis, allowing them to make permanent salary reductions regardless of contracts and temporarily reduce wages through furloughs.