Budget trouble at the University of Montana has long-term...

In recent years, UM's budget has taken hits since enrollment has fallen, and some students and faculty have denounced departmental cuts — and warned against them. But actual cuts aren't the only problem.

Departments that have long been acclaimed are feeling the consequences of losses from attrition and a freeze that requires the UM president's approval on any new hires.

In the history department, the number of faculty is roughly the same as it was when Mayer first was hired in 1988, some 13 bodies, with one person splitting time with another sector, according to Mayer and department Chairman Robert Greene.

But as faculty members retire and the department remains unable to fill positions, enormous gaps in expertise have emerged.