CLEVELAND — In a last-ditch effort to save millions of dollars, Cleveland State University has laid off 14 staff members, the school confirmed to 3News.
WKYC media partner Signal Cleveland was the first to report the news of the employee cuts. The layoffs occurred less than a week before the start of the fall semester, and appear to be just the beginning of CSU's attempt to close a projected $40 million budget gap.
"I am excited to meet new friends and get used to the new environment. I am so excited," incoming freshman Emma Hahn, who chose Cleveland State for its advanced pre-law program, said. "Because I’m doing the pre-law track, I'm able to finish it in six years here instead of the usual eight."
But while Hahn packed her bags for her next chapter, more than a dozen of the school's employees were ironically packing theirs, as well.
"I was a little shocked, honestly, because I thought even if they are going online, they would still need professors and other staff," Jackie MacDowell, Hahn's mother, told 3News. "It was a little concerning too. Like, is she going to be able to get the education she should be getting?"
In April, CSU tapped into its reserves, withdrawing nearly $9 million to cover the cost of a buyout for roughly 63% of its full-time educators. The university is now among a handful of higher education institutions in the Cleveland area facing financial hardship, including Lakeland Community College, Baldwin Wallace, and the since-closed Notre Dame College.
Cleveland State sent 3News this statement:
"Colleges and universities in Ohio and across the nation are facing unprecedented enrollment and financial challenges. Cleveland State University (CSU) has prioritized addressing these issues to ensure the education of its current and future students. At the same time, the University is continuing the process of transforming its curriculum as Cleveland's only public, research-focused institution that creates excellent learning opportunities for all students.
"As part of CSU's efforts to align its budget more closely with operating expenses, the University first introduced a Voluntary Separation Incentive Plan (VSIP) for eligible faculty and staff. This process has also led to the difficult decision to eliminate 14 positions across various CSU departments and colleges, all of which are staff roles.
"The affected employees were notified individually and have been offered outplacement services, as well as the option to maintain their health insurance coverage through COBRA. Each has received a notice period in accordance with their role and the relevant collective bargaining agreements and CSU policies that govern that role. While CSU does not currently plan any further employment reductions, we will continue to manage our overall cost structure during the FY25 budget year and beyond to ensure CSU's long-term fiscal stability."