Apr 3, 2017 2 min read

CALIFORNIA – California University of Pennsylvania is among five state universities where union professors were put on notice that layoffs are on the table at the end of the next term.

The other universities where faculty layoffs are possible are Edinboro, Cheyney, Clarion and Mansfield. The State System of Higher Education is embarking on a study to determine if mergers or closings should be considered during uncertain financial times, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties announced Monday.

“Students, potential students and faculty members deserve to know their universities’ intentions as soon as possible,” APSCUF President Kenneth M. Mash said.

“We understand finances are tight, but cutting programs and faculty members is penny wise and pound foolish. Limiting opportunities will not help universities heal or grow. It certainly does nothing to encourage potential students to enroll,” he said.

Cal U. spokeswoman Christine Kindl said the university has in the past submitted to the union a letter of intent for retrenchment, and it didn’t result in the loss of faculty positions.

“Cal U., like all universities, regularly reviews its academic programs to be sure we are serving current and future students most effectively,” Kindl said.

She said such letters are among tools the university needs in the event cuts are required. The union contract stipulates an extended notice of retrenchment.

Cal U. employs 391 union professors, she said.

“There’s no certainty that any faculty positions will be lost,” Kindl said.

A notice of layoffs to the union was lifted in 2013 after Cal U. President Geraldine M. Jones drained surplus accounts and made other cuts across the board to deal with an $11.8 million deficit. The university also eliminated 30 jobs, including some professor positions through attrition, a year earlier because of rising costs and declining student enrollment.

“A number of financial factors remain uncertain at this point, as well,” Kindl said.

Cal U. is among a number of the 14 state universities that have been experiencing declines in student enrollment.

The enrollment there dipped to 7,553 last fall, following a trend that began in 2001 when there were a record-setting 9,483 students on the school’s roster.