University of La Verne President Stephen Morgan announced Thursday his plans to retire after 25 years of service.

Yes we know the economy is still bad. We also know the University and the Budget Task Force are looking at how best to spend an unexpected $2 million currently in the budget. Here are our suggestions.

Undergraduate students may soon be able to take a maximum of 18 units per semester instead of the 17 units currently allowed, pending Board of Trustees approval.

The Faculty Assembly’s recent decision to allow undergraduate students to take a maximum of 18 units effective this spring semester is a great advancement for the University of La Verne.

Felicia Beardsley and Zandra Wagoner have taken new positions that will allow them to support and help run the College of Arts and Sciences with Jonathan Reed, the new interim dean.

The University of La Verne will undergo new academic assessments under the leadership of Aghop Der-Karabetian, who will assume the position of associate vice president of university assessment for academic affairs.

The University of La Verne has appointed Gregory Dewey as Interim Provost after an extensive search.

Low enrollment, compounded by the lagging economy, has required the University of La Verne to cut its 2009-2010 budget by $5.8 million.

Jonathan Reed, a professor of religion for many years and a foremost authority on Mediterranean and early Christian archaeology, in June was appointed interim dean of the University of La Verne College of Arts and Sciences.