Another SSHE school announces planned staffing cuts

(Undated) — A third college in the State System of Higher Education is planning cuts to its faculty and staff.

The system’s 14 universities are dealing with declining enrollment numbers and budget shortfalls.

Mansfield University in Tioga County is the latest to announce staffing reductions — up to 29 full-time faculty and 25 administrative positions.

It follows Edinboro University’s reductions of staff and the elimination of five majors and Clarion University’s job cuts and suspension of several courses.

Lauren Gutshall is a spokeswoman for the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties — or APSCUF.

She says four other schools, including Kutztown in Berks County, have indicated layoffs are possible.

“We are extremely concerned and doing everything in our power at both the state and local levels to fight against the proposed cuts and find viable alternatives,” she says.

System spokesman Kenn Marshall says every school is trying to develop long term plans to meet its academic mission.

“They want to make sure that they are, I guess, properly staffed, appropriately staffed to meet the needs of students,” he says.

Mansfield projects a $14.3 million dollar shortfall over the next two years. It says enrollment declines over the last three years are a reflection of the shrinking number of high school graduates in northern Pennsylvania and the southern tier of New York.