HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia is taking a road trip.

The council will hold its annual joint meeting with the Council of Presidents on Monday and Tuesday at James Madison University.

The meeting comes at a critical time for higher education in Virginia. On campuses across the state, colleges and universities are struggling to achieve 5 percent cuts this fiscal year, with another round of cuts called for next year. They will total 7 percent.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe has called for the cuts to make up a $2.4 billion shortfall in the current state budget.

Besides the cuts, the council will also discuss student access and affordability.

The council is the state’s coordinating body for higher education.

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