Minnesota State University Moorhead has reduced its work force by 85 permanent positions over the past three years to deal with a decline in state funding.
The figure was presented this past week at a town hall meeting to update the campus about the budget and other issues.
Between fiscal years 2009 and 2011, MSUM had the equivalent of 113 full-time employees leave the university through early retirements, resignations or other reasons. Forty-two were permanent faculty members, and the rest were staff or administrators.
MSUM hired the equivalent of 28 full-time employees to replace them, for a net loss of 85 positions, said Jean Hollaar, associate vice president of finance and administration.
"That's pretty dramatic in terms of staffing changes that have happened," Hollaar said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Some of those 85 positions have been filled with adjunct faculty or fixed-term positions as a "patch" until MSUM's budget is more certain, Hollaar said.
MSUM had just under 780 full-time positions in fiscal year 2009. The reductions amount to a $1 million savings in base personnel costs.
MSUM had more employees than any other Minnesota state university accept early separation incentives in fiscal year 2010. That's how MSUM has been able to avoid laying off employees, which other state universities in the system have done, said President Edna Szymanski.
Layoffs of temporary workers are a possibility for fiscal year 2012, however.
MSUM is expecting a cut in state funding of $3.5 million to $7 million, depending on what the Legislature does, Hollaar said.
MSUM can absorb a
$4 million cut, she said.
But if the reduction is closer to $7 million, MSUM would have to lay off temporary or fixed-term employees, focusing on those who don't affect teaching or revenue production, Szymanski said.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I don't think we're going to go there, but I brought it up because I think it's only fair to you to know we have a plan," Szymanski said.
Laura Fasick, an English faculty member, said she's concerned about further staff cuts to departments that are already thin.
"People are strained to the absolute limit. People are working unbelievably hard in very difficult circumstances," Fasick said. "I'm not sure how much more personnel can be reduced."
Some people applauded after Fasick's comment, and several thanked her after the meeting.
Kyle Blake, a student senator from the College of Business and Industry, said he hasn't been affected by the faculty and staff cuts. He attributes that to the faculty and staff.
"They've had their lives impacted much more than the students have because of the tremendous dedication and care that everybody has here for students," Blake said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
