Marquette University will eliminate 105 staff positions in an effort to cut costs and “ensure the university’s long-term fiscal health, according to a letter today from Robert Wild, S.J., interim president.
Most of the reductions will come from future employee turnover, retirements and attrition, but 25 employees “have been told or are in the process of being told” that the jobs are being eliminated, Wild’s letter stated.
Wild said deans and vice presidents at Marquette were directed to submit plans to achieve cost reductions and efficiencies.
“With families stretched to the limit in their ability to afford additional tuition costs, these challenging times require us to take difficult but necessary steps. Only by aligning our operations and resources with our fiscal realities can we keep a Marquette education affordable for our students. We must do this while ensuring the long-term health of the university and continuing to pursue important new initiatives as called for in our strategic plan, ‘Beyond Boundaries,'” Wild’s letter stated.
Prior to the reductions, Marquette had a staff of 2,800 employees. No members of faculty were affected by the cuts.
“The colleagues affected by this news are wonderful people who have contributed well to the university. Each person is receiving a severance package that includes extended pay and benefits, and is being offered spiritual and career transition assistance. Individual supervisors and the offices of Human Resources and Mission and Ministry are working with them to make sure they receive the support and respect that they deserve as members of our community,” Wild said.
