Medical College of Georgia announces hiring freeze

AUGUSTA, Ga.- The Medical College of Georgia in Augusta has announced an immediate hiring freeze on state-funded positions.

MCG President Daniel Rahn notified faculty, staff and students about the decision on Thursday.

The freeze will about 70 positions from research assistants to accountants. It does not include positions necessary to safety and security, such as public safety officers and positions involved in patient care.

Dr. Rahn has also directed all departments to suspend any other job actions that require additional state funds such as reclassifications and overtime.

The University System of Georgia asked state colleges and universities to trim 2009 budgets by 6 percent in August, 9.5 percent in December.

State officials are now asking schools to plan for a minimum reduction of 10 percent.