Duquesne University proposes full-time faculty cuts amid pandemic, financial uncertainty
Earlier this year, public universities throughout the state announced widespread layoffs amid existing financial woes exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Indiana University of Pennsylvania said in October that 81 tenured or tenure-track faculty members could be let go after the spring semester. At Edinboro University in northwestern Pennsylvania, 21 permanent faculty members will be laid off, along with an additional 26 adjunct and regular part-time faculty members.
Now, Duquesne University — a private school — is joining the line-up of local colleges forced to make cuts in an era of financial uncertainty.
In an email obtained by Pittsburgh City Paper that was sent out to professors Dec. 4, signed by Executive Vice President and Provost David J. Dausey, the university explained exactly how these cuts will be implemented.
“Duquesne has taken two steps to align the size of the faculty with our enrollment realities and long-term goals,” the email said. “As a first step, Duquesne has offered a comprehensive voluntary retirement incentive program to long-serving faculty. As a second step, the University will not renew a subset of contracts of full-time non-tenure track faculty and a few others who do not have tenure.”
Read more: https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/duquesne-university-proposes-full-time-faculty-cuts-amid-pandemic-financial-uncertainty/