Retirements hit Conn. universities hard

Hartford (AP) - More than 200 professors at Connecticut's public colleges have taken the state's early retirement offer.

According to The Hartford Courant, depending on how much money the system will have when a new budget is passed, the departures mean that classes this fall could be larger, or more courses will be taught by freelance or retired professors. The state's community colleges may consider capping enrollment.

Connecticut's 12 community colleges lost 191 employees to the state's early retirement program, including more than 70 faculty members.

The University of Connecticut lost 363 workers, including more than 70 professors. And the Connecticut State University System lost 193 workers, including more than 75 faculty.