The Division of Athletics and Recreation laid off seven full-time employees and three staff members have applied for the voluntary severance package offered by DU, saving the division $665,000 per year, according to Dan Van Ackeren, chief financial officer of Athletics and Recreation.

Thus far at least 111 staff employees have left DU under the severance and lay off initiatives instituted in November.

The athletics and recreation staff went from 116 to 106 full-time employees. According to Van Ackeren, areas that were downsized include marketing, development and recreation.

Commenting on the staff reduction in athletics and recreation, Van Ackeren said, “We looked to areas that we could find synergies with other departments on campus, which is in line with the chancellor’s e-mail. We looked at the marketing area, and we hope by increasing our efficiencies and synergies on campus we won’t take a step back there.”

The position of the director of athletic development was also eliminated, giving more responsibility to university advancement for fundraising for athletics and recreation.

Areas that were not affected were those related to student-athletes.

“We’re going to do that (layoffs) in a way, number one, that protects our student-athletes, so that they won’t feel the pinch,” Van Ackeren said. “And so also that we won’t compromise academically or our student services support area, compliance and academic advising.”

However, in terms of budget development, Van Ackeren is anticipating a $400,000 increase in travel costs, as well as another $80,000 in room-and-board expenses, both of which will result in budget and employee cuts in other areas.

“It’s going to be tight. We’re not allowed to increase our non compensation expenses at all,” Van Ackeren said. “We know these times are tough economically. We know have to do our part, and we understand that, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to make it work.”

Despite the financial woes, groundbreaking for the $6.3 million soccer stadium has already begun.