Fresno Pacific University announces layoffs in face of enrollment drop

FPU photo

published on October 27, 2022 – 12:35 PM
Written by Ben Hensley

Fresno Pacific University has announced several internal changes, including staffing cuts, in response to continued anticipated loss of tuition revenue following steep enrollment drops.

The university reported that, as of its fall census, enrollment had dropped 14% from fall 2021, a decline of almost 500 students — from 3,522 to 3,029.

The news was first reported by The Fresno Bee.

In response to the anticipated tuition revenue decrease, the university has decided to take several steps, including reducing the size of the workforce.

“Though no decisions have been made, options under consideration include inviting some faculty to take early retirement through a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program,” a university news release said.

The release also added that a hold on hiring for open positions and personnel reductions is also being considered for some departments.

Decisions on any workforce changes, including layoffs and which departments will be affected, will be finalized in November.

“We must be responsible and act now to address the enrollment shortfall and budget deficits,” the release added. “We also want to be transparent about the seriousness of our situation and the gravity of the actions needed.”

Any employees affected by the terminations will receive severance pay, as well as support for finding future employment and mental health counseling.

In addition to potential layoffs, the university will also explore long-term financial solutions, including innovation in recruiting and retention of students, as well as increasing investment in programs that require additional development, as well as pursuing additional grant funding.

The Mennonite Brethren Church-affiliated university that traces its roots in Fresno back to 1944 has already started initiatives to drive enrollment, including entering a partnership with Chaffey Joint Union High School District (CJUHSD) in Ontario, California, to provide its students a pathway to attend Fresno Pacific University.

“All CJUHSD graduates who meet the mutually agreed upon admission requirements, will be able to enroll and attend this progressive and inclusive university,” said Christopher Hollister, Ed.D., district assistant superintendent of student services. “One of the amazing highlights of this agreement is the commitment of FPU to provide a minimum of $7,000 per academic year in combined scholarships and grants to all our students. We are very excited to provide this opportunity for our students to attend this university.”

This is the first such agreement made with a public school district, but university leaders pledge it won’t be the last.

“We see this as part of our future and look forward to signing many more of these,” said André Stephens, Fresno Pacific University president. “Such actions speak directly to our desire to provide as many qualified students as possible with the professional, personal and spiritual benefits of a Fresno Pacific education.”

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