Mount Union cuts positions to avert financial concerns
ALLIANCE ‒ The University of Mount Union is eliminating at least 23 positions and offering buyouts to some faculty members to help avert long-term financial concerns.
Mount Union's Board of Trustees made the decision Sept. 29 to reduce faculty and administrative and staff positions.
All of those affected were notified Oct. 11.
"As the demographics continue to shift in Ohio and the Midwest with a decline in college-aged students, higher education institutions will likely face enrollment challenges in the coming years," the university said in an email. "Thus, the University of Mount Union's Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to implement a staff separation and Faculty Voluntary Separation Plan (FVSP) that will allow the institution to address long-term revenue implications."
Stable enrollment: Post-COVID, Stark County universities and colleges are stabilizing with enrollment
Among the 23 positions were several administrative and hourly staff members, and open positions that will not be filled. Their last days will be Oct. 27.
The administrative departments impacted include the offices of Academic Affairs, Business Affairs, Marketing, Student Affairs and University Advancement. The academic programs affected are English, world languages, music, philosophy and religious studies.
According to the university, none of the academic programs will be eliminated.
Mount Union officials said faculty positions were selected by need. Members offered buyouts were not chosen due to age or years of service. The packages included extended salary and healthcare, and those who accept the plan will remain with Mount Union until May 31.
The total savings and number of employees impacted by this decision are to be determined. It is not known which faculty members might accept the buyouts.
"The aforementioned decisions have not been easy to make, as we will be bidding farewell to talented individuals who we respect and admire. The Board, administration and faculty leadership are committed to operating in a way that is fiscally responsible to solidify our longevity," officials stated in the email.
Over the past few weeks, the university has announced new sources of revenue, both in activities in the classroom. For example, Mount Union announced it will be adding a women's wrestling program and master's degree in nursing.
"Although Mount Union’s financial health remains intact – recently coming off of our 70th consecutive year of a balanced budget – we continue to focus our attention to ensure the University is positioned for sustained success," the email stated.
Mount Union reported 2,049 students are enrolled this fall, about 80 fewer than last year.
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @bduerREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Mount Union cuts administrative and staff positions, offers buyouts
