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LOCK HAVEN -- Faculty and staff at Commonwealth University's Lock Haven campus are preparing to take action regarding potential faculty and staffing cuts coming to it and the two campuses under the university's umbrella.
The announcement regarding the cuts came through a virtual meeting with CU President Jeff Osgood last month, who laid out the plans through a virtual meeting with faculty and staff on Sept. 14.
At the time, Osgood said the university, which encompasses Lock Haven, Bloomsburg and Mansfield campuses, was facing a $17 million deficit and directive from PASSHE's Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino to balance its budget for the coming fiscal year.
In a report from The Press Enterprise, Osgood said PASSHE, which recently gave the school $38 million in additional funds to pay off debts, is requiring the school it formed in 2022 to operate in the black by June 30, 2027.
The university has not successfully balanced its budget since it merged the three campuses.
According to a statement provided by a representative of the university, the process for staff reduction will "unfold over the next several months."
"Under the terms of the faculty contract, faculty members must be notified of potential position reductions by Oct. 30. Staff notifications are expected to occur in January 2027," according to the statement. "Any faculty and staff members whose positions are affected will remain employed with Commonwealth University through the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2027."
For faculty and staff at Commonwealth's Lock Haven campus, the hope is to retain as many positions as possible to ensure the continued success of the university.
"Lock Haven APSCUF leadership is doing everything in their power to push back against the proposed reductions of faculty from across the university," Erin Kennedy, a psychology professor and president of Lock Haven's chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF), said of the potential cuts.
Kennedy said APSCUF understands the concerns regarding the university's budget, but said the union intends to work with management to try and mitigate the impact staff cuts may have on campus.
"Although we understand the budgetary concerns that stem from, among other things, inadequate funding, we will continue to work closely with management and other union leaders to identify alternatives to faculty and, where possible, staff job loss, which would decrease the quality of the education that students who come to Lock Haven expect," she said. "The loss of even a small number of faculty could have an immeasurable impact on the Lock Haven campus for years to come."
Kimberly Harris, director of student involvement, enrollment management and student affairs at the university, spoke on behalf of the State College and University Professional Association (SCUPA) chapter at Lock Haven.
"SCUPA believes all its current Bargaining Unit positions at Commonwealth University are essential and invaluable to the success of the students we serve and the university as a whole," Harris said. "The elimination of SCUPA positions does not serve the greater goal of Commonwealth University's success and viability."
Harris noted SCUPA members work is "diverse and broad as to its scope and impact."
"We will absolutely fight to keep every position in our unit, and we will ensure that our Collective Bargaining Agreement is followed with fidelity in the event a position is slated to be eliminated," she said.
According to the statement provided on behalf of Commonwealth University, its administrators are looking to reduce staff by voluntary means.
"Retirements, resignations, vacancies, reassignments and other recurring savings measures occurring before June 30, 2027, may reduce the number of involuntary separations ultimately required," the statement said.