Hundreds impacted by WSU job cuts, voluntary layoffs as pandemic accelerates changes at the university

FAIRBORN — Wright State University President Sue Edwards announced cuts, voluntary layoffs and retirements that will impact nearly 20 percent of the university’s workforce as it battles the challenges of COVID-19.

The announcement on the cuts came in a letter to the campus community Monday morning.

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“I have been sharing with you...that the pandemic has accelerated the timeframe around which we must resize the university so we can operate within the revenue generated by an enrollment of 10,000 students and ultimately ensure that we continue to serve the needs of our region,” Edwards wrote in the letter. “As you are all aware the current COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated Wright State University’s underlying financial condition.”

Edwards said 50 positions on campus will be cut at the school’s campuses through involuntary position eliminations.

“Some will not have contracts renewed, some are retiring, while others will be provided notice and/or other applicable options,” Edwards said.

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Over 430 employees have already voluntarily reduced appointments and are participating in the Shared Work Ohio program. Under the Shared Work Ohio program, employers can reduce employees hours and provide eligible individuals an unemployment benefit proportionate to their reduced hours, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The cuts come as the university reorganizes its structure. All departments, colleges and units are impacted by the reorganization efforts, Edwards said.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced $3,227,472 would be cut from the university’s funding that comes from the state in May. The state announced $775 million in cuts to the state’s budget for this fiscal year, 60 percent of which accounted for education cuts.

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“Human Resources has prepared separation materials and will accompany university supervisors while they hold notification meetings with impacted employees,” Edwards said, adding that employees will be notified of their separation by no later than June 18.

“I recognize these are difficult and uncertain times for all of the Wright State Family. We will continue to make every effort to move through these processes as diligently and compassionately as possible, ensuring that focus remains on the respectful treatment of our employees,” Edwards said.

A total of 35 faculty have chosen to separate from the university and participate in the Faculty Retirement Incentive Program. That program has been available to eligible faculty since March 16. The 35 faculty who elected to chose the Faculty Retirement Incentive Program will begin retirement either in July or August, according to Wright State’s Human Resources website.

The university will be offering career coaching, resume writing assistance, interview preparation and career learning courses through a third-party. Wright State also will continue to provide access to tuition remission benefits for two years post-employment for both employees and their dependents.

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