#highereducation

Ithaca College is confronting significant financial challenges, leading to discussions about potential faculty and staff layoffs. The administration is working to address an $8 million fiscal deficit projected by 2027. While a spokesperson confirmed a review of staff positions, they stated that faculty positions are not currently being targeted for elimination. The college has experienced years of financial struggles, a common issue for small liberal arts institutions. This news follows recent leadership turnover and a proposed restructuring of the college's academic schools.

Ithaca, New York

https://ithacavoice.org/2026/11/ithaca-college-layoffs-faculty/

Several universities are implementing significant personnel reductions to address budget deficits and financial pressures. The University of Oregon plans to eliminate over 100 positions, with a substantial portion being vacant roles. The University of Tulsa is cutting approximately 9 percent of its staff, primarily in central administration. Seton Hall University has eliminated 46 administrative roles as part of a broader cost-saving initiative. Stockton University is reducing its workforce by 21 positions due to enrollment declines and reduced state support. Jackson State University is cutting eight staff jobs due to federal funding reallocations.

Eugene, Oregon

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2026/11/03/latest-job-cuts-impact-both-public-and-private-campuses

Looks like less international students are coming.......intresting.....

Faculty, students, and staff at the University of Maine gathered to protest proposed budget cuts. These cuts are intended to address a $19 million deficit. Union representatives are urging administrators to reconsider the measures. They advocate for a more sustainable financial strategy. The university has announced further consolidations to close the budget gap.

Orono, Maine

https://www.mainepublic.org/education-news/2026-10-28/umaine-unions-rally-teachers-staff-students-against-planned-layoffs

University of Maine is rolling out layoffs and retrenchments. $19M budget shortfall. No money, no jobs. Nobody knows how many and the top is silent.

Not directly related but since there is no page for CU I am sticking it here - anyhow... CU plans to eliminate 170 positions across its PA campuses. Employees are expected to receive notices in January... layoffs scheduled to take effect July 1, 2027.

https://www.mytwintiers.com/news-cat/education/commonwealth-university-announces-potential-job-cuts-in-meeting/

Heard there are talks for Q1 ent pub will take k-12, hi-ed healthcare, and slg and combine them into just pub. Any confirmation here?

Queens University has confirmed a limited number of layoffs following its merger with Elon University. These workforce reductions have impacted faculty and staff members. The university has not provided specific details on the exact number of positions eliminated. This comes one year after the initial merger announcement. The university is continuing to integrate operations with Elon.

Charlotte, North Carolina

https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/queens-quietly-trims-workforce-amid-merger

The University of Maine plans to implement layoffs to address a significant budget deficit. Leaders announced an expected $19 million shortfall for the upcoming year. In addition to staff reductions, the university will eliminate vacant positions and consolidate course offerings. Further cost-saving measures may include limiting class sizes and discontinuing under-enrolled programs. These actions aim to mitigate the financial challenges facing the institution.

Orono, Maine

https://www.centralmaine.com/2026/09/17/umaine-announces-staff-and-faculty-layoffs-to-address-projected-19m-shortfall/

Georgia Tech has announced significant job reductions impacting various roles within the institution. The affected employees held positions as guards and computer operators, among others. This move comes as the university faces financial pressures or strategic realignments. The exact number of employees laid off has not been disclosed. Further details regarding the reasons behind these cuts are expected.

Atlanta, Georgia

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2026/09/08/amentum-layoffs-fort-gordon.html

The University of Texas at Arlington has laid off 49 employees across 14 departments since June 1, 2025. This reduction is attributed to financial strain caused by decreased international student enrollment, a statewide tuition freeze, and federal funding cuts. The university stated these actions are part of long-term sustainability planning to align resources with strategic priorities. While the layoffs are a small percentage of the overall workforce, they reflect the institution's efforts to strengthen financial resilience. The university spokesperson emphasized a focus on supporting teaching, research, and student success through these disciplined choices.

Arlington, Texas

https://www.opencampus.org/2026/04/27/49-uta-employees-have-faced-layoffs-since-june-2025-records-show/

New federal borrowing caps are creating significant funding gaps for students pursuing higher education. An expert warns that soaring tuition costs combined with these new loan limits will force many students to seek private loans. This situation is particularly challenging for graduate students who previously relied on the Federal Direct Grad Plus Program. Experts advise students to carefully compare lenders and repayment plans to avoid financial pitfalls. The article suggests that the core issue is tuition costs, not student debt itself.

Eatontown, New Jersey

https://nj1015.com/student-loans-repayment-tips/

The California Faculty Association contests the California State University system's use of artificial intelligence. The union aims to protect faculty jobs from being replaced by generative AI tools. They are backing legislation that would prevent CSU from replacing faculty with AI. This bill is advancing through the Legislature and has garnered no opposition. The union also filed an unfair labor practice charge over CSU's AI purchasing.

https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2026/06/artificial-intelligence-cal-state-disputes/

Southern Oregon University leaders released a new financial plan this week. The proposal includes cutting approximately 66 full-time equivalent jobs. It also eliminates three undergraduate degree programs. These measures are expected to save the university about $12 million annually. The plan is necessary to secure a $15 million state funding infusion.

Ashland, Oregon

https://www.highereddive.com/news/southern-oregon-university-plan-would-cut-3-majors-roughly-66-jobs/823213/

A new Forbes report evaluated the financial health of private, non-profit colleges. Eight New Jersey private institutions received the lowest possible grade, a "D". These schools face concerns about their financial futures. Factors cited include a shrinking pool of high school graduates and enrollment shifts. Several affected colleges stated they have made recent financial improvement

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/these-8-nj-colleges-are-in-serious-financial-trouble-new-report-warns/ar-AA25RSz6

Algoma University's support staff union president expressed concerns about recent layoffs. Over the past year, 86 positions were cut through layoffs and voluntary exits. These cuts reduced support staff by 40 percent across the university's three campuses. The university faces a projected $16.45 million deficit and declining student enrollment. The union worries these reductions will leave some student services non-existent.

https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/union-warns-algoma-u-layoffs-could-leave-some-services-non-existent-12419843

A coach sued Oakland City University in federal court. She claims the university failed to pay employees since April. The lawsuit aims for class action status for over 100 workers. Another employee also filed a separate state lawsuit. The university announced layoffs and suspended undergraduate programs.

Oakland City, Indiana

https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/oakland-city-university-employees-sue-university-for-unpaid-wages

If I worked there I'd be angry at how many top admins make twice the salary of similar admins at other regional colleges. No way should they be doing layoffs of lower paid staff when they have 8 people making $200K-300K at a college of only 1600 students.

Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences is restructuring its staff. This plan includes eliminating three high-level administrative dean positions. These roles oversee finance and information technology across divisions. The layoffs are part of an effort to address a $365 million structural deficit. Affected administrators have worked at Harvard for decades.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2026/6/2/ads-laid-off-fas/

Algoma University is eliminating 86 support staff positions. This represents about 40 percent of its support staff bargaining unit. The university projects a $16.45 million operating deficit by 2026-27. This deficit is driven by an anticipated decline in enrolment. A provincial teachers' union condemns these layoffs, citing chronic underfunding.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

https://www.timminstoday.com/local-news/union-condemns-algoma-university-layoffs-12356660

Indiana University's Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering eliminated six positions. The dean announced this restructuring in an email. This change aims to align resources with evolving university needs. Indiana University officials did not comment on these specific layoffs. This follows earlier job cuts at IU's Information Technology Services and WFIU/WTIU.

Bloomington, Indiana

https://www.ipm.org/news/2026-05-29/luddy-school-adds-to-ius-layoffs-eliminating-six-positions

Many public universities are implementing significant budget cuts. These actions include hiring freezes, layoffs, and structural changes. Universities face declining enrollment, reduced state funding, and rising costs. Several institutions, including the University of Oregon and Portland State, announced staff reductions. Oakland City University suspended all undergraduate programs and laid off 167 employees.

https://universitybusiness.com/cuts-and-hiring-freezes-spread-as-spring-semester-closes/

Baylor University has begun staff layoffs following a February announcement. The university plans to implement $35 million in budget cuts over two years. At least 40 employees have received pink slips, including eight in the College of Arts and Sciences. These reductions are part of a broader response to higher education challenges. The university also reduced its contribution to the faculty retirement plan.

Waco, TX

https://wacotrib.com/news/local/education/article_6f3f0085-bf69-402d-9fcd-7d7613f1ee50.html

Colleges across the United States announced hundreds of layoffs and buyouts in April. Budget deficits, state funding reductions, and enrollment losses drove these decisions. Hampshire College and Anna Maria College are closing and laying off hundreds of employees. The University of Maryland and University of Wisconsin also plan significant job reductions. Syracuse University and East Carolina University are eliminating programs and offering faculty buyouts.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/business/cost-cutting/2026/05/04/college-closures-contributed-deep-cuts-april

Stockton University has initiated a voluntary buyout program for employees. Professors and select managerial staff are currently eligible for the offer. This move aims to curb expenses and ensure the university's financial stability. The institution faces challenges including declining enrollment and proposed state aid reductions. Staffing costs account for 61% of Stockton's annual budget.

New Jersey

https://www.nj.com/atlantic/2026/05/nj-university-rolls-out-staff-buyouts-amid-lower-enrollment-proposed-aid-cut.html

Colleges nationwide announced hundreds of layoffs and buyouts in April. Many institutions face budget deficits and funding challenges. Hampshire College and Anna Maria College are closing, leading to significant job losses. Other universities like Maryland and Wisconsin also plan job reductions. These cuts stem from state funding reductions, enrollment declines, and program reviews.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/business/cost-cutting/2026/05/04/college-closures-contributed-deep-cuts-april

Hampshire College faculty and staff are establishing an emergency relief fund. Most of the college's 250 employees will be laid off on June 16. The college is permanently ceasing its academic operations. Employees are unlikely to receive severance pay from the institution. The fund will provide direct financial support for essential expenses.

Amherst, Massachusetts

https://recorder.com/2026/04/23/with-layoffs-approaching-hampshire-college-workers-launch-relief-fund/

HACC approved a $128 million operating budget for 2026-27. This budget includes cutting 87 current employee jobs and two faculty positions. Additionally, 41 vacant positions will be eliminated. Other cost-saving measures involve phasing out some academic programs. The college stated these difficult decisions were necessary.

Pennsylvania

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/hacc-to-lay-off-87-staffers-2-faculty-and-cut-41-positions-as-part-of/article_318aaa66-4dc0-4d9c-91ee-68da9ee9fb52.html

Oakland City University employees met with the Department of Workforce Development Rapid response team. This meeting followed a WARN notice filed earlier in April. WARN notices indicate a possibility of mass layoffs for employers with over 100 staff. OCU faces financial challenges but has not decided on layoffs. The university plans to sell a patent in early May.

Evansville, Indiana

https://www.14news.com/2026/04/23/government-officials-meet-with-ocu-employees-after-potential-mass-layoff-warning/

SAIT is cutting 30 permanent faculty positions in 2026. The institution faces serious financial challenges. These include a decline in international student enrollment and a provincially-implemented tuition cap. For non-unionized employees, a layoff is typically considered a permanent termination. Affected staff may be owed significant severance pay based on common law entitlements.

https://stlawyers.ca/blog-news/sait-layoffs-severance-pay/

Keene State College eliminated about two dozen staff positions. This action responds to state budget cuts for the university system. Twenty-five staff positions were cut, including eight that were vacant. Faculty positions are also being reduced through voluntary retirement packages. The college aims to align resources with priorities while preserving student experience.

Keene, NH

https://www.keenesentinel.com/news/local/keene-state-college-layoffs-cuts-staff-faculty-keene-nh/article_aab7851a-43da-4925-b8f0-ef6e68cc3a0b.html

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) recently laid off 45 faculty and staff members. This decision was made to address a $20 million deficit for the 2026/27 fiscal year. The deficit is primarily attributed to federal government caps on international student enrollment. The layoffs include six teaching faculty, four non-teaching faculty, and 35 staff positions. Despite these reductions and other measures, UFV still faces a $2.4 million deficit and is exploring land development for future revenue.

https://abbynews.com/2026/03/20/layoffs-hit-university-of-the-fraser-valley-amid-20-million-deficit/

Keene State College recently eliminated 25 staff positions. Eight of these positions were already vacant. These cuts are a direct response to an $18 million reduction in state funding. The college must address a $4 million deficit by fiscal year 2027. Faculty positions are also being reduced through voluntary separation packages.

https://www.keenesentinel.com/news/local/keene-state-college-layoffs-cuts-staff-faculty-keene-nh/article_aab7851a-43da-4925-b8f0-ef6e68cc3a0b.html

I'm new to this site. I feel like i havent seen many comments from people in PVS under Tom Ap Simon. He was 100% in charge when I came on in 2020. In 2022, they hired a lady to take over PVS so Tom could focus on higher education. This lady was way more personable and professional than Tom in my opinion. She obviously had a vision, and part of that was to create a new department. She hired a black woman for that department who was very qualified based on previous work experience. Not even 2ish years into the role, this competent PVS leader departed. They did not replace her. They said Tommy boy would absorb and handle both Higher Ed and PVS. A few months after our original PVS VP left, our smaller dept head left abruptly. They did not replace her either and instead shoved our department into another that make 0 sense for half of the employees there.

PVS has a goal to increase enrollment by almost 50%. That is an insane metric and didn't even happen during Covid. On top of that, they so far have hired literally no one on the school facing side of things to support these schools/students. I thing they are eventually going to just sell PVS because it's obvious the powers that be don't understand the actual work that's needed to make this business line successful.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic continues to experience job cuts. The institution has laid off 151 employees across 2025 and 2026. Recently, 23 full-time and part-time positions were eliminated. The health information management program is also suspended for 2026-27. The Official Opposition urges the Provincial Government to stop further layoffs.

https://www.cjwwradio.com/2026/03/04/242926/

Why are they really closing it for good? I'm a UCB grad and always thought FPF was a great program. I'm also shocked they'd let go of some truly great lecturers.

About 160 workers at the University of Wyoming may face layoffs if the current draft of the state’s two-year budget becomes law, according to a provost.

https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/politics-government/2026-02-02/roughly-160-uw-employees-could-lose-their-jobs-if-proposed-budget-passes-provost-says

Idaho State University is laying off 45 employees. This action addresses an $8 million budget deficit. The College of Education will merge into a new humanities college. Biology department disciplines are also being reorganized. These changes aim to achieve significant cost savings.

https://www.idahostatejournal.com/freeaccess/45-layoffs-as-isu-axes-college-of-education-splits-biology-department-in-mass-restructuring/article_11660917-46c1-4ff9-b34c-b1c942eb4910.html

The College of Wooster is struggling financially so badly from low enrollment year over year, today 2-5-2026 they are doing a massive reduction in work force - up to 50 positions

A merger between NJCU and Kean University is underway. This transition has caused initial job reductions at NJCU. Some staff members were issued pink slips. The exact count of affected individuals remains unstated. Officials from both universities declined to provide specifics.

https://jcitytimes.com/njcu-kean-merger-yields-first-layoffs-officials-mum-on-details/