TALLAHASSEE — Faced with a nearly $50-million loss in state dollars for the looming budget year, Florida's flagship public university will lay off 138 faculty and staff; cut undergraduate enrollment by 4,000 students; slash research spending; and eliminate some degree programs and academic departments.

For students, the changes will mean fewer multicultural programs, internships and study-abroad opportunities.

Maintenance and housekeeping hours in the dorms will shrink. Students will likely find longer waits for financial aid and career counseling. And the enrollment reduction will make it harder than ever to get into what some people already call the "Harvard of Florida."

University of Florida President Bernie Machen announced the dramatic cutbacks Monday, just a few days after lawmakers ended their annual session.

See tomorrow's St. Petersburg Times or tampabay.com for the full story.

- Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler, higher education reporter