Nancy Erickson is briefly overcome with emotion while teaching a French class Monday at the University of Southern Maine, after learning that 50 faculty positions will be cut. Erickson, the only full-time French professor at USM, has taught at the university for 18 years and doesn’t yet know if she will lose her job.

Music history professor Paul Christiansen speaks at a press conference after Monday's announcement of faculty layoffs at the University of Southern Maine. The music department, which supports two faculty members, Christiansen and a composer, is one of the departments that will be affected by the cuts.

Students and faculty members show their displeasure at a press conference after Monday's announcement of faculty layoffs at the University of Southern Maine.

Neal Young, a USM senior with a major in political science and a minor in economics, speaks at a press conference Monday after the announcement of faculty layoffs.

Maggie Welch, a senior majoring in environmental science at USM, makes her way toward the Abromson Community Education Center after a class Monday.

Adrianne Hess of Portland holds a sign aimed at USM President David Flanagan during a press conference after Monday's announcement of faculty layoffs.

Alexander Knight, a junior with a double major in mathematics and physics at the University of Southern Maine, speaks at a press conference Monday after the announcement of faculty layoffs.

Jane Kuenz, chairwoman of the University of Southern Maine's English department, speaks Monday about the latest layoffs. She said, “I think people in Maine have to decide if they want a university. If you want a university, you have to put money into it.”

Students make their way to classes Monday on the Portland campus of the University of Southern Maine, which will cut 50 faculty positions.