Citing the worsening economy, the chancellor of Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities today announced that non-union employee salaries will be frozen for at least six months.

The move affects some 1,500 managers, administrators and others at the campuses, including California, Clarion, Edinboro, Indiana and Slippery Rock universities in Western Pennsylvania.

In addition, Chancellor John C. Cavanaugh said 128 positions on the 14 campuses will not be filled.

The steps are a response to economic conditions that already have prompted Gov. Ed Rendell to ask the 14 schools to return collectively 4.25 percent, or $22 million, of the system's current-year $520 million state appropriation.

"Our first priority is to ensure our students continue to receive the high-quality education they expect and deserve," Cavanaugh said. "The universities still will be able to employ additional faculty in order to meet student needs in the classroom and to fill some other critical positions."

The state is facing a $1.6 billion shortfall in its budget.

The State System's Board of Governors plans to conduct a budget workshop with its regular January meeting to look additionally at the financial situation.