The union that represents Florida State faculty members is asking the university's board of trustees to keep 62 professors employed.

In letters to the 13-member panel, United Faculty of Florida-FSU chapter president Jack Fiorito asked that the board rescind layoffs that were approved earlier this year.

In the letter, Fiorito wrote that the union believes the layoffs are "neither necessary nor prudent." He says the layoffs will have a long-term impact on the school's ability to serve Florida residents.

Florida State officials have said that this school year, federal stimulus money will help them retain many faculty members who would have laid off.