February Brought a Flurry of Program and Personnel Cuts

"As part of a looming merger with nearby Kean University, the public institution laid off at least 151 employees last month, including 33 faculty members. Sources told the newspaper that 24 of the 33 had tenure and that 'entire staff offices are being wiped out,' as those functions will likely shift to Kean following the conclusion of the merger, which is expected by July."

"Facing an $8 million deficit partly driven by state efforts to reduce its budget, the public university in Pocatello is cutting dozens of jobs and closing vacancies. In all, Idaho State is eliminating 45 jobs, though the newspaper noted that 40 percent of those positions are currently vacant. Planned cuts include 12 faculty positions, 21 staff roles and 11 administrative jobs."

"In total, colleges and universities cut more than 300 jobs last month, including multiple tenured faculty positions. Other institutions-particularly those with weak enrollment-looked to reduce programs. Politics also played a factor in driving some departmental mergers."

February 2024 saw significant layoffs across higher education institutions totaling over 300 jobs. New Jersey City University eliminated 151 employees, including 33 faculty members with 24 holding tenure, as part of a merger with Kean University. Idaho State University cut 45 positions to address an $8 million budget deficit, including 12 faculty, 21 staff, and 11 administrative roles. Union College laid off approximately 40 employees, primarily dining staff, while offering early-retirement incentives. Cost-cutting measures, budget shortfalls, weak enrollment, institutional mergers, and political considerations drove these reductions across public and private institutions.

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