Cedarville cuts staff, tuition increase

CEDARVILLE — Cedarville University will reduce its workforce by 19 and lower the tuition increase from previous years in an effort to make the university more competitive and affordable for families, university officials announced Tuesday, Jan. 26.

University personnel was notified in October that staff reductions were likely after a six-month study showed the university was staff-heavy compared to similar top-rated Midwestern universities. The study also indicated many students who had seriously considered Cedarville chose another similar school because “at the end of the day, Cedarville was more expensive,” said university spokesman John Davis.

Tuition will increase 2.87 percent — a reduction from a five-year average increase of 5.45 percent.

The reduction from 355 to 336 staff members, along with open positions that were not filled in 2010, equal 30 full-time equivalent positions. Cuts were made across all six divisions of the university, however none of the 220 faculty positions were cut.

The staff reductions, along with a 2 percent reduction in operational budgets, will translate to $2.2 million — some of which will be reallocated to financial aid, Davis said.

The university will offer to continue salary and benefits for departing staff through June 30 as part of a severance package.

“These decisions impact people we care for deeply,” said university President Bill Brown. “Cedarville hasn’t been through a staff reduction like this, and it’s a very difficult, painful process.

“Reducing our staffing expenses is a necessary part of moving the university forward but that doesn’t make it any easier.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0347 or kmori@coxohio.com.

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