Portland State University Issues Another Round Of Layoff Notices
On Friday, Portland State University (PSU) issued layoff notices to an additional 17 members of its non-tenure track faculty. The notices follow 94 layoff notices sent in October.
More Layoffs At Portland State University
To help address an $18 million budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year, PSU developed a four-part financial adjustment plan deficit that provides for layoffs as the finances are consolidated.
The main focus is program revitalization- which implies adjusting or eliminating less popular programs, and streamlining curricular stewardship- to adjust content to match employer demand with student learning.
The plan has, in part, been necessitated by consistently declining enrollment at the university and is projected to save between $8 million and $12 million.
Notices were sent to 94 university employees on October 15. These members have a contract with PSU’s American Association of University Professors, representing about 350 non-tenure track faculty members.
Most of the October notices recipients did not ultimately receive notice of termination. Still, all 22 of PSU’s university studies faculty members were sent tentative layoff notices at the time. Non-tenure track faculty are primarily teaching faculty who don’t typically engage in research.
PSU president Ann Cudd indicated at a press conference that more layoffs for other faculty and staffers could still follow.
However, PSU is still considering factors that could trigger other layoffs, such as the number of retiring faculty and their analysis of programs. PSU will also not be replacing members who retire in many cases, and Cudd has confidence that PSU will be able to come to a resolution with the union.
Twenty-three faculty members have agreed to retirement offers, and more may still retire after receiving the notice. The jobs of faculty members who have received notices will terminate on June 15, 2025.
Sources & References
- PSU Press Conference – Friday Dec 13