KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Administrators at the University of Tennessee's main campus have appointed a task force to help decide how to trim programs to reflect economic conditions.

Interim Knoxville Chancellor Jan Simek says he wants plans for cuts of 3 percent and 5 percent, but says the final number "could be higher."

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports that UT-Knoxville is starting budget planning early this year because of the possibility of reduced state funding and to help new Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheek, who arrives in February.

Knoxville Faculty Senate president John Nolt says the nine-member task force will develop methods for evaluating program cuts, reductions or reallocations.

The Knoxville campus already has sustained $17 million in budget reductions this year, part of a $38 million cut for the entire UT system.

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