PORTLAND – The University of Southern Maine is planning to make $2.7 million in cuts to its current school-year budget.

In announcing the cuts Monday, President Selma Botman said there could be as many as 65 layoffs and vacant positions left unfilled.

The cuts come in response to Gov. John Baldacci’s request that all state agencies cut their spending to make up for a projected shortfall in the state budget. USM’s budget this year is about $115 million.

Botman was meeting with staff and faculty at the university’s three campuses to discuss the cuts.