In a bid to overcome a daunting budget shortfall for the Fiscal Year 2026, DePaul University confirmed last week that it has reduced its workforce by 7.6%, impacting 114 full-time and part-time staff members. The layoffs, which were implemented as a result of increased financial strain, were announced via a communication from DePaul University President Robert L. Manuel. In his message, which was subsequently shared with the media, Manuel conveyed the grave nature of the decision, saying, "The last several weeks have been some of the most difficult our community has ever experienced." This was reported by WGN-TV after obtaining a statement from the university.
As detailed by WGN-TV, the layoffs come in the wake of what the school has described as "financial headwinds," notably due to declining international graduate student enrollment, an escalated demand for financial aid, and the rising costs associated with benefits. A strategic plan known as "Designing DePaul" has been launched, aimed at funding key academic and student success initiatives, and harvesting new revenue streams as part of a hearty effort to secure the institution’s future alignment with its mission.
In addition to the staffing cuts, President Manuel outlined other cost-saving measures, including the elimination of the FY26 merit increase for faculty and staff, a hiring freeze, and reduced pay for executive officers, vice presidents, and deans. These plans were communicated during town hall meetings and through subsequent messages to staff. According to CBS News Chicago, the university emphasized the provision of transition assistance to the affected individuals, offering severance packages based on tenure, career counseling, and health insurance subsidies, among other support resources.
Despite the university’s financial challenges, rumors of the closure of the Loop Library were discounted by the university’s spokesperson. "The Loop Library did experience staff cuts but remains open this academic year with reduced hours," the spokesperson explained, emphasizing that there remains a full-time librarian and part-time staff on duty. This statement reflects a commitment to maintain some level of library service despite the staff reductions.
