Miami University plans to eliminate 40 staff jobs in July.
President Greg Crawford sent a letter to faculty and staff Thursday making the announcement. In it he writes that the decision to make budget cuts came during the December trustee meeting, saying the university is accelerating the cuts "in order to increase investment in student scholarships and new academic programming."
Staff are being notified now and Miami says it will offer outplacement assistance and job counseling.
A spokeswoman tells WVXU and WMUB that no further cuts or layoffs are expected this year.
You can read the full letter below:
Dear Miami Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I am emailing you today. I am writing to update you on budget planning for 2020-2021. Miami is not immune from the forces driving unprecedented change across higher education. To meet the needs of students now, and in the future, universities must be affordable and offer the academic programming that will enable them to thrive and prosper. Last year, I asked our administrative leaders to plan for budget reallocations over the next five years. At the December Board of Trustees meeting, we determined the University would accelerate these previously planned administrative budget reductions across all campuses to increase our investment in student scholarships and new academic programming.
In order to achieve these significant reallocations, difficult decisions are being made across the University. As always, we strive to make these decisions in ways that least impact our employees and in ways that allow units to focus on their most critical operations and streamline functions. Unfortunately, these reallocations will require the elimination of staff positions.
Forty valued staff members are being informed that the positions they now hold will be eliminated on July 1. Outplacement assistance and job counseling is available to assist impacted employees. Although the administrative reductions in this year’s budget did not include job eliminations, next year’s reductions have, unfortunately, required the elimination of positions.
You will learn more from your divisional and departmental leadership about the steps being taken in your respective areas in the next few days.
These are difficult decisions that are very hard to deliver. Unfortunately, they are necessary to fortify the financial health and advancement of Miami. We must also continue to ensure student affordability through increased investments in scholarships and new academic programs that are aligned with the interests of tomorrow’s students. To remain a nationally recognized university, we must continue to evolve and seek ways to further strengthen Miami.
With the higher education landscape shifting so rapidly, we must act decisively to continue our commitment to providing an exceptional and innovative learning environment. These reallocations will provide Miami the opportunity to strategically advance into the future.
I recognize these are challenging times in higher education and I want to thank you for all that you do for the Miami community.
Gregory P. Crawford President
