The University of Akron in Ohio will lay off employees and evaluate academic programs and staffing levels in the wake of a decline in enrollment, The Plain Dealer reported.

Trustees of the public research university agreed to $12 million in cuts. This includes layoffs of 18 staff members and the non-renewal of nine contract professionals and one faculty member. They will also not fill current open positions.

 "We have to adjust to changing dynamics," Luis Proenza, President of the University of Akron, said. "It is vital that we vigorously assess our programs and vigorously assess our staffing levels to better understand where we are."

The measures abide by the school board's approval this summer of the 2013-2014 budget that included $25.5 million in reductions. The university has already terminated 150 positions - almost all by retirements, resignations and not filling existing vacancies. 

Enrollment at the university declined from 26,666 in fall 2012 to 25,041 this year. The decline was anticipated, as this is the second year the university, in an effort to improve retention and graduation rates, referred underprepared applicants to a community college, The Plain Dealer reports.

However, the expected 2 to 3 percent decline in the number of credit hours taken by students this year compared to 2012 declined by 6 percent, resulting in a $15 million shortfall.

An increase in tuition and fees covered about $4.5 million of the revenue lost, but academic and support units were asked for the second time this year to make reductions, according to The Plain Dealer.

School officials say the best way to increase revenue is to attract more students. David Cummins, vice president for finance and administration, said this may require offering more scholarships, which could result in trimming the budget in other areas.

To improve retention rate, the university has improved advising services, identifying students who may be at risk of dropping out and helping those with financial difficulty.