Planning for budget cuts at Emporia State University has led to action.
On Friday, ESU announced it would eliminate 10 positions, either at the end of the current academic year in June or at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. Another two positions were transitioned from full-time to either three-quarter-time or part-time. Director of Media Relations Gwen Larson:
The full list of positions affected will not be released. The university says that is a personnel matter.
This comes as the university has been considering $4.7 million in cuts over the next 15 months due to a combination of lower state funding, lower enrollments and higher costs. Larson tells KVOE News the staffing cuts are the first announcement, but they are not the only adjustment coming.
Programs and services may also see cuts announced soon. More details about upcoming cuts will be announced after graduation activities May 15-16 and Garrett is planning an open forum on the topic the week of May 17.
The position cuts also come as the Kansas Legislature has been considering a budget move to restore around $2 million in past budget cuts to ESU. President Allison Garrett says the Legislature’s restoral may well be temporary in nature, so the university has to proceed with its adjustment plan.
Alongside the cuts, Larson tells KVOE News Emporia State is doing its best to enhance recruitment and retention. It’s also working with lawmakers to increase state funding as much as can be allowed.
7 pm Friday: ESU announces 10 position cuts as budget review continues
Even though over $2 million in prior cuts may be restored, Emporia State University is moving forward with budgetary adjustments.
ESU has been bracing for close to $5 million in cuts for several months, and on Friday it announced it was eliminating 10 total positions either at the end of the current academic year or at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. The full list of positions affected has not been released.
President Allison Garrett says the restoral of prior cuts may be temporary in nature, so the university has to proceed with its adjustment plan.
ESU has used an approach where department leaders have been working for months to find potential budget cuts after a combination of lower state funding, lower enrollments and higher costs. The projected $4.7 million total cut will be spread over the next two fiscal years and will affect programs and services in addition to positions. More details about upcoming cuts will be announced soon and Garrett is planning an open forum on the topic the week of May 17.
