The University of Florida's Board of Trustees has now approved President Bernie Machen's 47 million dollar budget cuts, but now without making a few changes to the proposal.

During a conference call Wednesday morning between U.F. administrators and the board of trustees, the board members unanimously approved the budget cut plan.

There was some good news for students and faculty in three doctoral programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The original plan called for the elimination of Ph.D. studies in French, German and Philosophy.

But now, instead of eliminating them, the university will not accept any new students into those programs for three years.

"That's a very difficult time for everybody. no one wants to cut any programs. for every program, there are students who love it and it's important, so this has been very difficult," said Dr. Rick Yost, who is a Board of Trustees member and is the Chairman of the university's Faculty Senate.

Although the budget cuts are now approved, the board did give President Machen 60 days to make any appropriate changes if he chooses.

By David Hamilton, WCJB TV 20 News