The University of Lynchburg has cut several jobs and programs

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – Dozens of jobs and programs are being cut at the University of Lynchburg, with more to come.

On Thursday, the university announced it will restructure the entire university around faculty, staff, and students. Those changes involve leadership management, job reductions, and cutting undergraduate and graduate programs.

President Alison Morrison-Shetlar said the changes come after months of in-depth analysis and review.

“We will be monitoring all of our programs for the future, to make sure that they are continuing to be successful and providing the education that our students deserve,” said Morrison-Shetlar.

The university offers 51 majors, now 12 undergraduate and 5 graduate programs will close. The university said students in impacted programs can finish through the multi-year teach-out plan, but new students won’t be able to enroll.

“We will continue to enhance the arts, we already do an amazing job with leadership development. And we want to enhance that, so I want to make sure that people understand that while you get rid of a major, it does not mean that you get rid of those experiences,” said Morrison-Shetlar.

This decision will impact about five percent of students.

But it will have a larger impact on faculty and staff with the immediate loss of 40 positions … and 40 more position cuts expected over the next three years.

President Morrison-Shetlar said the faculty and staff affected are being offered severance, out-placement services, health insurance, and counseling.

In 2020, the school was in a $12 million deficit, now the university is just a little over a $4.2 million deficit.

However, President Morrison-Shetlar said the new university changes don’t have to do with budget cuts.

“When you reorganize a university, or any organization, you want to look and see what you’re doing really well. And then what it is that you can improve and what you should stop doing,” said Morrison-Shetlar.

She said the university isn’t the only college feeling the effects of challenges brought by the FAFSA crisis and the pandemic.

President Morrison-Shetlar released a video statement about the changes. Click here to view it.

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