Mountain State University officials announced July 23 that it will impose a university-wide work force reduction of approximately 50 percent due to a recent withdraw of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.
The university said in a new release that employees affected by the reduction were told July 23 that their employment would end on Sept. 21. Impacted employees work as administrators, faculty and staff.
MSU currently has approximately 325 faculty and staff members, according to its employee directory on its website. Roughly half of those people were informed that their job will be ending.
"This is a difficult decision. The reductions are not about performance issues. MSU employees are hardworking and dedicated. Their contributions to the university, its students, and their communities are greatly appreciated," Jerry Ice, Ed.D., chairman of the MSU Board of Trustees, said in the news release.
The university is planning to appeal the HLC's decision. However, interim president Richard Sours said last week that MSU is expecting a sharp decrease in revenue due to the pending loss of its general accreditation and halt in enrollment. He said the school,which has several branch campuses in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, could eventually shut down.
Moody's Investors Service said approximately 89 percent of Mountain State's revenue in fiscal 2011 came from student charges, and 81 percent of its undergraduate students received financial aid. Moody's downgraded the university's bond rating two weeks ago.
The July 23 news release said a revised budget that included personnel reductions was presented to the Board of Trustees for approval. The Board determined to maintain specific positions essential to serving students and moving the university through the appeal process with the HLC.
Sours said MSU established a career service center to assist employees now and after their last employment date.
"This is very difficult news to hear and say, and it is done with a heavy heart. The university is committed to assisting employees in securing other jobs and identifying resources to help them and their families manage the emotional, financial, and job search challenges," Sours said July 23.
The Career Service Center for employees is located in the John B Van Dyke Jr. Hall on the Beckley campus. A number of workshops and services are available at select times including resume writing, emotional counseling and job search skills. Additionally, a Rapid Response Team from Workforce West Virginia will be on-campus at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. July 27. Resources will also be posted on the Internet. Select workshops will be streamed online for ease of access for branch locations and off-site employees. Additional information is available on the MSU website.
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