SC State Finances

ORANGEBURG, .S.C. (AP) _ Trustees at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg say they will cover a budget shortfall this year largely with reserve funds. Reserve funds, a book store surplus and money left over from other projects is being used to cover a shortfall of nearly $4 million. School officials say most of the shortfall is occurring because the school has 350 students fewer than expected. Officials say it has become harder for students to obtain financial aid and loans. President George Cooper says South Carolina State has assigned an additional 11 employees to work on recruiting and retaining students. South Carolina State has about 4,000 students. The school says it might have to trim course offerings in the fall and reduce the number of part-time faculty.