Lincoln University administrators want to outsource the school's buildings and grounds operations.
"After months of thought, consideration and research, the decision has been made to present to the Board of Curators a proposal to outsource buildings and grounds services," LU spokeswoman Misty Young told the News Tribune on Monday.
"This was not an easy conclusion to reach, but it is one that will help us provide the best quality service in an area that is vital to the aesthetics and functionality of our campus facilities."
The curators are scheduled to meet Sept. 10 in Jefferson City.
If curators approve, 46 positions - including 41 currently filled - would be affected.
"As part of the negotiation process, it is our goal that anyone interested in continuing as part of the Lincoln University family will be considered for employment with the selected vendor," Young said. "Since we are in the beginning phase of negotiations, a time frame has not been determined for the transition."
She noted LU already has contracts with outside vendors for food services, the campus bookstore and some technology areas.
"We are certain we have made a sound choice in choosing to also outsource this unit," she said.
Three weeks ago, LU President Kevin Rome told the News Tribune the Jefferson City school was "considering outsourcing a university function," but that rumors the school was looking to end about 60 jobs were "absolutely false."
He also said: "The decision has not been made so it's still preliminary."
No mention of the proposal was made during last week's opening session of the Faculty and Staff Fall Institute, when several people praised the buildings and grounds staff's efforts to spruce up the LU campus before students began arriving last weekend.