News Summary
Jacksonville University has announced a major restructuring plan that includes the layoffs of nearly 40 faculty members and the elimination of around two dozen academic majors, effective July 2024. The board of trustees aims to realign the university’s focus towards high-demand fields in response to declining enrollment. Concern among students and faculty has risen following the abrupt layoffs, as the university seeks to ensure long-term financial sustainability amidst these changes.
Jacksonville — Jacksonville University has announced significant changes to its academic offerings, including the layoffs of nearly 40 faculty members and the elimination of approximately two dozen majors. This decision comes as part of a financial restructuring effort aimed at addressing declining enrollment and enhancing the university’s financial viability.
The decision, effective July 2024, affects 38 faculty members whose contracts will not be renewed. Affected faculty members include Dr. Erich Freiberger, a tenured philosophy professor who had been with the university for 27 years. The decision to cut positions and majors has led to considerable unrest among faculty and students at the university, with criticism directed towards the administration’s handling of these layoffs.
Among the majors being eliminated are philosophy, music, theater, various art disciplines, marine science oceanography, and some business degrees. As a result of these cuts, approximately 100 students will be impacted, with around 18 current students losing their majors altogether. Incoming students will not be able to enroll in these discontinued programs starting fall semester.
The board of trustees, led by Chairman Matt Kane, stated that these cuts were necessitated by the need to focus on programs that align with market demands and contribute to student success. The university’s restructuring plan aims to shift its emphasis towards high-demand fields such as nursing, healthcare, computer science, and business administration — areas that already make up a significant portion of JU’s student body.
In addition to the program eliminations, Jacksonville University plans to reduce controllable expenses by 10% beginning in Fall 2025 as part of its broader financial strategy. This move is intended to help the institution navigate its current financial challenges and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Concerns have been raised about the timing and communication of the layoffs. Faculty reportedly received the notifications less than 10 weeks before the end of their contracts, violating the university’s bylaws that require notification by September 15 of the preceding academic year. The university’s communications director has asserted that the institution is complying with its guidelines, maintaining that the situation is aligned with its Faculty and University Bylaws.
The Faculty Assembly at JU has responded to the cuts by submitting a resolution of censure and holding a vote of no confidence in President Tim Cost, expressing their dissatisfaction with the administration’s approach to the faculty layoffs and the elimination of academic programs.
In efforts to support the students affected by these changes, the university is offering pathways for current students enrolled in eliminated majors to complete their degrees through teach-out plans that comply with accreditation standards. This measure aims to mitigate any potential disruptions to students’ educational progress amidst the ongoing restructuring processes at Jacksonville University.
As Jacksonville University moves forward with these significant changes, the impact on both students and faculty will be closely observed as the institution strives to realign itself and better meet both educational needs and economic realities, addressing the delicate balance between maintaining a diverse range of academic offerings and ensuring financial stability.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- Jacksonville.com
- News4JAX
- Inside Higher Ed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville University
