Starting this week, the University will lay off 48 employees, as announced in a recent communication. This decision is part of a larger plan to cut $15 million from the budget. Alongside these layoffs, 55 unfilled positions will be eliminated, and the University aims to reduce operating costs significantly while ending a hiring freeze.
The specific departments affected by these layoffs have not been disclosed. Brian Clark, a spokesperson for the University, mentioned that cuts will impact various academic and administrative areas.
To support those losing their jobs, the University will offer severance packages and outplacement services, according to President Christina Paxson, Provost Francis Doyle, and Executive Vice President Sarah Latham.
Earlier reports indicate that cuts could include five administrative roles in smaller academic departments. This push for layoffs comes as the University faces a deepening budget deficit, with fears of federal funding cuts looming.
In August, Paxson projected a $30 million loss and hinted at further layoffs and cost-saving measures. Central actions proposed include monetizing real estate, consolidating health plans, and pausing spending on sustainability plans. Departments were instructed to reduce their budgets by 2.5%, with essential academic areas facing smaller cuts.
A review committee assessed the unfilled positions slated for elimination, balancing departmental requests with the potential impact of each decision.
The University’s leadership emphasizes the weight of these changes on affected employees and their teams. There’s recognition that universities nationwide are grappling with financial uncertainty and ongoing federal pressures.
As higher education institutions navigate these challenges, it’s clear that the landscape of funding and operations may continue to shift significantly.
For more insights on the state of university funding, visit National Conference of State Legislatures.
