Otago Polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker last night confirmed seven staff had been identified as candidates to either lose their jobs or have their roles reduced.
The cuts would equate to the loss of five full-time positions at the art school.
The staff involved - whom Mr Ker declined to name - had been notified, given the reasons for their selection and given seven days, from last Friday, to respond.
It was expected an announcement confirming the changes would be made late today or tomorrow, Mr Ker said.
Plans to cut staff numbers at the institution were first revealed last month.
At the time, Mr Ker said a 10% cut in Tertiary Education Commission funding for the polytechnic - which amounted to a $3 million cut - was the reason for the cutbacks.
Staff spoken to by the Otago Daily Times expressed concern the cutbacks would damage the institution's reputation.
Last night, Mr Ker said staff had reacted well, despite the threat to their jobs.
"There's hurt and anger, and that's to be expected, but equally there's a respect and courtesy that's held throughout the week, which is quite impressive."
