About 100 positions are likely to be eliminated at the University of Southern Maine as part of the school's plan to cover an $8.2 million budget deficit and avoid future deficits, university officials said today.

The figure includes 30 positions that were eliminated last year and 30 positions that are being cut this spring. A third round of reductions, involving more than 30 additional jobs, will take place in the coming year, said USM spokesman Bob Caswell.

Most of the positions cut so far were open as a result of resignations or retirements, but some people will be laid off in upcoming reductions, Caswell said.

USM interim President Joe Wood said administrators are reviewing academic programs as part of a restructuring aimed at preventing future deficits. The university has a $110 million operating budget this year.